The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for major depressive disorder and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status was denied. The Board found that his depression did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as it did not cause deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms were consistent with a 50 percent disability rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders, but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of occupational and social impairment in most areas.

Claimed conditions

Major Depressive Disorder, Left Greater Trochanter Bursitis, Left Knee Instability, Traumatic Arthritis of Left Knee, Right Knee Arthritis, Left Foot Disability, Right Greater Trochanter Bursitis and Arthritis, Osteoarthritis of Right Shoulder, Osteoarthritis of Left Shoulder, Radiculopathy of Left Sciatic Nerve, Radiculopathy of Right Sciatic Nerve, Radiculopathy of Right Femoral Nerve, Radiculopathy of Left Femoral Nerve, Erectile Dysfunction, Posterior Neck Scar

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating

Not verified here — check the original decision

Decision date

May 31, 2019

Citation

19141880

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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 19141880.