All initial claims for increased ratings were dismissed as the Veteran requested withdrawal of his appeal. The restoration of a 50% rating for major depressive disorder was granted effective December 1, 2015. Earlier effective dates were granted for increased ratings for lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities.

The deciding factor: The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding all initial increased disability ratings as he requested withdrawal prior to the promulgation of a decision.

Claimed conditions

{"condition_name":"Major depressive disorder"}, {"condition_name":"Right elbow strain-flexion"}, {"condition_name":"Right elbow strain-impairment"}, {"condition_name":"Bilateral lumbar radiculopathy"}, {"condition_name":"Esophageal reflux"}, {"condition_name":"Osteoarthritis of the left thumb carpal-metacarpal joint"}, {"condition_name":"Right fifth finger fracture ankylosis"}, {"condition_name":"A right thumb sprain"}, {"condition_name":"Costochondritis"}, {"condition_name":"Bilateral hearing loss"}, {"condition_name":"Sinusitis"}, {"condition_name":"Allergic rhinitis"}, {"condition_name":"Prostatitis"}, {"condition_name":"Right cheek and chin scars"}, {"condition_name":"A right hand fifth finger scar"}, {"condition_name":"Left cervical radiculopathy"}, {"condition_name":"Right cervical radiculopathy"}

How they argued it

Not specified

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

November 19, 2019

Citation

19186903