The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted as service-connected. TDIU due to service-connected disabilities prior to March 30, 2015 is also granted.
The deciding factor: Service connection for depressive disorder was established based on the Veteran's reported onset during service and his current diagnosis of major depressive disorder with alcohol and substance abuse aggravation by service-connected degenerative disc disease. TDIU prior to March 30, 2015 was granted as the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
- Claimed conditions
- Depressive disorder, Crohn's disease, Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- July 17, 2018
- Citation
- 18119043
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 18119043.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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The Board has identified a contradiction in the AOJ's determinations regarding the Veteran's need for aid and assistance, which requires clarification. The remanded issues are entitlement to SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another and on the basis of statutory housebound status.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for iron deficiency anemia (IDA) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected Crohn's disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and ileocecal valve scarring.
- Denied
The Veteran is found not competent to handle the disbursement of VA funds, and his appeal is denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the claims for service connection must be remanded due to inadequate examinations and opinions. The Veteran's skin disorder, respiratory disorder, Crohn's disease, eye disorder, and migraines are all being reviewed again with new medical evaluations.
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