The Veteran's depression and adjustment disorder secondary to left shoulder, left knee, and low back pain are rated at 50% prior to June 12, 2017. A rating of 70% is granted for the period from June 12, 2017 forward. The associated lumbar LLE radiculopathy is rated at 10%. The limitation of motion on extension of the left knee is rated at 0%, and a separate rating not to exceed 10% for non-LOM symptoms of left knee bursitis and posterior cruciate ligament strain (September 10, 2011 to April 21, 2014) is granted. The superficial painful scars are rated at 0%, and a compensable rating for scar residual, forehead, is denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's mental health issues have been found to be significantly impacted by his service-connected left shoulder, left knee, and low back pain, resulting in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The evidence supports the current ratings of 50% prior to June 12, 2017, and 70% from that date forward.
- Claimed conditions
- Depression
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- December 3, 2018
- Citation
- 18155190
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 18155190.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient findings regarding PTSD and depression, requiring a new VA examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to errors in the AOJ's handling of the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, other specified trauma and stressor-related disorder, and depression. The AOJ is required to verify the Veteran's claimed stressor and obtain medical opinions regarding the diagnoses and their relation to service.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety, and Depression as these conditions are found to be related to the Veteran's active military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's lay statements and medical records are considered in determining whether there is a nexus between current symptoms and service.
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