The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for his service-connected conditions was denied. The initial rating for residuals of NHL to include joint pain, headaches, and fatigue remains at 40 percent. A higher rating for MDD associated with residuals of NHL is granted but not in excess of 70 percent. GERD with swallowing difficulty continues to be rated at 10 percent. Urticaria remains rated at 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes, and his claims were denied based on lack of evidence supporting entitlement to the requested increased disability ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) with swallowing difficulty, Urticaria
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- May 5, 2020
- Citation
- 20031326
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 20031326.
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.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including GAD, MDD, bruxism, migraines/headaches, tinnitus, hip pain, iliotibial band syndrome, and leg stress fractures. The evidence does not support current diagnoses of these conditions during the appeal period.
- Granted
The Veteran's Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is found to have begun during their active duty service and continues to this day, meeting the criteria for service connection.
- Denied
The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder with TBI is rated at 70 percent, but the appeal for a higher rating is denied.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for her service-connected MDD with PTSD was denied. The evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment, despite the Veteran maintaining full-time employment.
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