Service connection for major depressive disorder is granted. A rating in excess of 10 percent for hemorrhoids is denied. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine prior to September 9, 2014 and on or after September 9, 2014 is remanded. His claim for a compensable rating for anal fissure is remanded. His TDIU claim is also remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's major depressive disorder was found to be at least in equipoise with his service-connected disabilities and thus granted secondary service connection.
- Claimed conditions
- Major Depressive Disorder, Degenerative Arthritis of the Lumbar Spine, Anal Fissure
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- July 27, 2018
- Citation
- 18121969
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 18121969.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected low back and radiculopathy disabilities, which prevent him from doing enjoyable activities and daily living tasks.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a 70 percent disability rating for his psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with MDD and anxiety, has been granted. However, the issue of entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is remanded due to procedural issues.
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