The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and reflex sympathetic dystrophy are all granted. The Veteran is also granted a TDIU effective March 28, 2012. However, the Veteran's disability rating for degenerative disc disease lumbar spine discectomy intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) from March 28, 2012 through November 31, 2014 is denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support an earlier effective date than September 3, 2013 for left lower extremity radiculopathy. The Veteran's major depressive disorder and reflex sympathetic dystrophy are linked to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The Veteran's IVDS rating is denied as the evidence does not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
- Claimed conditions
- left lower extremity radiculopathy, major depressive disorder, reflex sympathetic dystrophy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- November 12, 2019
- Citation
- A19002728
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 A19002728.
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.
- Dismissed
The claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for major depressive disorder is dismissed as moot because the earliest effective date was granted during the pendency of this appeal.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, hypertension, and various musculoskeletal and skin disabilities.
- Partly granted
The Board denied earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection and granted initial 40 percent ratings for left upper extremity CTS, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and special monthly compensation (SMC) housebound status, but dismissed the claims for initial ratings in excess of 40 percent for lumbosacral spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy.
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