The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities. His right ankle disability, characterized by marked limitation of motion, is granted an increased rating of 20 percent. The initial compensable rating for the right ankle scars is denied. The left knee scar issue and the TDIU claim are remanded.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's major depressive disorder was found to be causally related to his service-connected disabilities, resulting in a grant of secondary service connection. His right ankle disability met the criteria for marked limitation of motion, warranting an increased rating of 20 percent. The initial compensable rating for the right ankle scars could not be granted due to lack of instability or pain.

Claimed conditions

{"condition_name":"Major Depressive Disorder"}, {"condition_name":"Post Traumatic Synovitis of the Right Ankle, Status Post Open Reduction and Internal Fixation, Distal Fibula Fracture"}, {"condition_name":"Recurrent Anterior Subluxation of the Glenohumeral Joint of the Right Shoulder"}

How they argued it

Secondary to another service-connected condition

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

20%

Decision date

January 17, 2019

Citation

19104263