The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as her conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood, which would be required for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Carpal Tunnel Syndrome of the right arm, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome of the left arm, Left Hip Bursitis, Femoral Neck Stress Fracture of the right hip, Lower Back Strain, Early Degenerative Changes of the left knee, Right Knee Strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 30, 2020
- Citation
- 20007946
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).
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development and to ensure compliance with VA's duty to assist.
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