The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent prior to December 27, 2018 and at 70 percent thereafter. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,For the period starting from December 27, 2018, the Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not demonstrate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas to warrant an increased rating of 70 percent for major depressive disorder prior to December 27, 2018.,While the evidence of record demonstrates significant impairment in occupational and social functioning, it does not show total occupational and social impairment to warrant a 100 percent rating for major depressive disorder from December 27, 2018.
- Claimed conditions
- Major depressive disorder, Lumbar spine osteoporosis, Left wrist osteoporosis, Right wrist osteoporosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 7, 2019
- Citation
- 19144285
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
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.
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