The Veteran's hypertension is granted as secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder.,The Veteran’s lumbar strain disability remains at a 20% rating, with no changes in the current rating period.,The RO improperly reduced the Veteran's left knee patellofemoral syndrome and postoperative lateral meniscectomy ratings. The original ratings of 30% and 10%, respectively, are restored.,The Veteran’s left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome is rated at 20% for the period prior to September 25, 2015, and at 70% thereafter due to major depressive disorder (previously characterized as adjustment disorder with mixed mood).,TDIU is remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hypertension was aggravated by his service-connected major depressive disorder.,The Veteran’s lumbar strain disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.,The RO improperly reduced the Veteran's left knee patellofemoral syndrome and postoperative lateral meniscectomy ratings, which were restored.,The Veteran’s major depressive disorder (previously characterized as adjustment disorder with mixed mood) symptoms meet the criteria for a higher rating of 70% after September 25, 2015.
- Claimed conditions
- hypertension, lumbar strain, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, postoperative lateral meniscectomy of the left knee, major depressive disorder
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 10, 2018
- Citation
- 18116954
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 18116954.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
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