The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) has been granted, and he is also entitled to TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. The MDD symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners found that the Veteran's MDD symptoms significantly impacted his ability to function independently and appropriately, meeting the criteria for a 70% rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.
- Claimed conditions
- Major Depressive Disorder, Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine, Right Knee Strain, Residuals of Morton's Neuroma Excision on the Right Foot, Bilateral Ptosis with Myokymia, Dermatitis, Right Ankle Strain, Erectile Dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- November 29, 2019
- Citation
- 19190151
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,036 · Granted: 27% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 19190151.
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 Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected low back and radiculopathy disabilities, which prevent him from doing enjoyable activities and daily living tasks.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for erectile dysfunction due to insufficient medical evidence and a need for a VA examination.
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