The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his psychiatric disorder and degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine, have been sufficiently disabling to render him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational background.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities, notably his acquired psychiatric disorder and degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine, have adversely affected his ability to work due to physical limitations and mental health impairments.
- Claimed conditions
- Bladder cancer, Dysthymic disorder with alcohol abuse (acquired psychiatric disorder), Degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine, Gastroesophageal reflux, Chronic right knee strain, Peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, Tinea infection, Plantar warts, Prostate cancer
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- March 26, 2019
- Citation
- 19122741
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 19122741.
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 Board granted service connection for bladder cancer, diabetes mellitus, type 2, and an acquired psychiatric disability (unspecified depressive disorder), but denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.
- Granted
The Board restored the Veteran's 100 percent disability rating for his service-connected prostate cancer, effective September 1, 2024.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the R(1) rate due to his need for regular aid and attendance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities to obtain a VA medical opinion regarding whether the current condition is caused or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.