The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, increased ratings for his low back strain, right knee disability, and bilateral lower extremity sciatica, as well as special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status. The claim for TDIU was also denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of a nexus between his depression and service-connected disabilities. His failure to report for VA examinations scheduled in April 2018 resulted in denial of increased rating claims as a matter of law. The evidence did not establish that he was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- major depressive disorder
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 19, 2018
- Citation
- 18119321
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 18119321.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for specially-adapted housing assistance and a special home adaptation grant was denied because he does not meet the criteria for either benefit based on his service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided that the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, should be remanded due to a failure to verify a stressor related to the death of his two best friends in Iraq. The AOJ needs to develop this stressor.
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