The Veteran's major depressive disorder was granted an initial rating of 70 percent from August 15, 2013 to March 23, 2015 and a 100 percent rating thereafter. The cervical spine disability received a separate 20 percent rating for left upper extremity radiculopathy. The lumbar spine disability was granted an initial rating of 10 percent from August 15, 2013 to June 20, 2016 and a 40 percent rating thereafter. A TDIU was granted prior to March 23, 2015 and dismissed on or after that date.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's major depressive disorder met the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating from August 15, 2013 to March 23, 2015 due to total social and occupational impairment. The TDIU was granted as he could no longer work due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, Degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, Major depressive disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- April 24, 2019
- Citation
- 19132122
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 initial ratings of 40 percent for lumbar spine disorder, 70 percent for major depressive disorder, and 40 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy. TDIU and SMC based on housebound status were also granted.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, currently diagnosed as other specified trauma and stressor related disorder and major depressive disorder.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) but denied service connection for PTSD and a higher rating for the unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder/major depressive disorder/insomnia.
- Denied
The Board denied an effective date earlier than April 9, 2024, for the assignment of a 70 percent evaluation for insomnia disorder with generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder.
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.