The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxiety and panic attacks is found to be secondary to his service-connected peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities. Service connection for emboli to both lungs, post-phlebitic syndrome with peripheral vascular disease of the left and right lower extremities, and heart condition (cardiomegaly) are all granted. The Veteran's back disability and sleep apnea claims remain denied.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be secondary to his service-connected peripheral vascular disease due to its impact on his ability to cope with his limitations.

Claimed conditions

emboli to both lungs, major depressive disorder with anxiety and panic attacks, back disability, sleep apnea, heart condition (cardiomegaly), post-phlebitic syndrome with peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities

How they argued it

Secondary to another service-connected condition

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

60%

Decision date

October 4, 2018

Citation

18140468

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 18140468.