The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, the maximum rating available.,The Board denied entitlement to a TDIU as there was no evidence showing that the Veteran could not secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s symptoms more closely approximated a 70 percent rating for major depressive disorder, and he did not meet the criteria for a TDIU based on his other service-connected conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Major depressive disorder, Allergic rhinitis, Post-operative herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbar spine with degenerative disc disease, Degenerative joint disease and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- June 24, 2020
- Citation
- 20042873
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 20042873.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder does not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or confined to his home, thus SMC based on housebound status and/or need for regular aid and attendance is denied.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, as secondary to his already service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that there was a duty to assist error and remands the case for further development. The Veteran contends his allergic rhinitis began during service, but VA medical opinions have found no link between his current condition and service.
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