The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, is aggravated by her service-connected disabilities. The claims for increased ratings of right knee chondromalacia patella, residuals of a right knee tibial fracture, left knee patellofemoral dysfunction, and carpal tunnel syndrome are denied. Service connection for a right hip disability and lumbar spine disability remains pending.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's psychiatric disorder is aggravated by her service-connected disabilities, warranting service connection under the secondary theory of service connection.
- Claimed conditions
- Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 28, 2020
- Citation
- 20036712
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 20036712.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed as the claim was granted and effective from February 22, 2023.
- Granted
The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, specifically depressive disorder, is rated at 70 percent effective from August 3, 2021. The claim for a higher rating remains denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected Depressive Disorder is causing him to require regular assistance in keeping himself clean and presentable, which may qualify him for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance. The case is being remanded to schedule a VA examination to assess this issue.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD with bipolar disorder has resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating effective August 8, 2018.
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