The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted a 70 percent rating, prostate cancer residuals are denied any increase in rating beyond the current 20 percent, and he is awarded a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran’s depression causes significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a higher rating. His prostate cancer residuals do not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they are currently rated at 20 percent. The Board found that he is unable to secure or maintain employment due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Major Depressive Disorder, Prostate Cancer
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- April 5, 2019
- Citation
- 19126360
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 was granted a disability rating of 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder, effective October 24, 2017. The Board also granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability due to the need for a more comprehensive medical examination and opinion.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an effective date of March 15, 2023, for a 40 percent evaluation for service-connected prostate cancer and earlier dates for the awards of service connection for anterior and posterior trunk scars.
- Denied
The Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder prior to September 10, 2022, and in excess of 70 percent thereafter.
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