Service connection for memory loss is denied. A rating of 50 percent, but no higher, for depression is granted effective August 20, 2012. The claims for increased ratings for left hip osteoarthritis with limited extension, left knee chondromalacia, radiculopathy and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are denied as a matter of law.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's memory loss is not considered a distinct disability and service connection cannot be established. The criteria for a higher rating for depression have not been met due to occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, controlled by continuous medication.
- Claimed conditions
- Memory loss, Depression, Left hip osteoarthritis, Left knee chondromalacia, Radiculopathy and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, Radiculopathy and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 28, 2020
- Citation
- 20029802
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20029802.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient findings regarding PTSD and depression, requiring a new VA examination.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to errors in the AOJ's handling of the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, other specified trauma and stressor-related disorder, and depression. The AOJ is required to verify the Veteran's claimed stressor and obtain medical opinions regarding the diagnoses and their relation to service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety, and Depression as these conditions are found to be related to the Veteran's active military service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's lay statements and medical records are considered in determining whether there is a nexus between current symptoms and service.
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