The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including other specified anxiety disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder, is granted as service-connected.,A 10 percent evaluation for limitation of flexion of the left elbow is granted. The current rating criteria do not support a higher evaluation based on functional impairment or pain during motion testing.,The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is remanded due to an error in obtaining evidence prior to the October 2018 rating decision.,The Veteran's left knee and right knee disabilities are both remanded for further review.

The deciding factor: Service connection was granted based on a finding that the current acquired psychiatric disability is related to service, with consideration given to the Veteran’s history of alcohol use disorder which may have contributed to his symptoms.,The evidence did not show extension limited to 75 degrees or more, as required for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5207. The examiner noted that pain and stiffness prevented full extension.,There was no objective evidence provided regarding the degree of pain on passive range of motion testing for lumbosacral strain prior to the October 2018 rating decision.,The Veteran's left knee and right knee disabilities were remanded due to an error in obtaining evidence prior to the October 2018 rating decision.

Claimed conditions

anxiety disorder, persistent depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

10%

Decision date

December 5, 2019

Citation

A19003367

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 A19003367.