The Veteran's major depressive disorder is characterized by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. He was granted a 50% rating effective January 2016.,Prior to September 21, 2015, the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine was not characterized by unfavorable ankylosis. From September 21, 2015, his condition has been characterized as having unfavorable ankylosis and he is now rated at 50% effective January 2016.,Prior to December 4, 2015, the Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy was characterized by mild incomplete paralysis. From December 4, 2015, his condition has been characterized as moderate incomplete paralysis and he is now rated at 20% effective January 2016.,Prior to December 4, 2015, the Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy was characterized by mild incomplete paralysis. From December 4, 2015, his condition has been characterized as moderate incomplete paralysis and he is now rated at 20% effective January 2016.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms of major depressive disorder have resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.
- Claimed conditions
- Major Depressive Disorder, Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbosacral Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- March 23, 2018
- Citation
- 1817863
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 1817863.
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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