The Veteran's MDD was initially evaluated at 50 percent from August 10, 2010 to December 3, 2018. From December 4, 2018 onwards, his MDD is rated as 100 percent disabling.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's MDD did not meet the criteria for a higher 70 percent evaluation under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders due to lack of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. The evidence showed that he had good social interactions with his family, especially his supportive wife.
- Claimed conditions
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), Left Sciatica, Right Lower Sciatica, Postoperative Laminectomy Scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- January 23, 2020
- Citation
- 20005573
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include MDD, as secondary to service-connected disabilities due to a duty to assist error.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including GAD, MDD, PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and foot disabilities. The claim for NSC pension benefits was dismissed as moot due to a higher disability rating.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of June 21, 2024, for the award of service connection for major depressive disorder (MDD).
- Partly granted
The Board granted an effective date of April 3, 1982 for the 70 percent rating for major depressive disorder (MDD), but denied an earlier effective date for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).
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