The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted a 50% rating for the period prior to April 12, 2019. For the entire appeal period, his right and left knee osteoarthritis are each granted separate 10% ratings for instability. The Veteran’s left upper extremity radiculopathy is not rated higher than 30%. No rating in excess of 50% for depressive disorder or any other condition is granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms, including depression and knee instability, are adequately reflected by the assigned ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Depressive Disorder, Osteoarthritis of the Right Knee, Osteoarthritis of the Left Knee, Left Upper Extremity Radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 17, 2019
- Citation
- 19171375
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 19171375.
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.
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The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed as the claim was granted and effective from February 22, 2023.
- Granted
The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, specifically depressive disorder, is rated at 70 percent effective from August 3, 2021. The claim for a higher rating remains denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected Depressive Disorder is causing him to require regular assistance in keeping himself clean and presentable, which may qualify him for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance. The case is being remanded to schedule a VA examination to assess this issue.
- Granted
The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of service connection (January 23, 2020), due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
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