The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for depression was denied. The claim for an increased rating of 50 percent or higher for mixed type headache disorder was granted, effective November 1, 2011 to June 19, 2019. The claim for a higher rating for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease status post L4-5 discectomy was denied. Separate ratings of 10 percent or higher were granted for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities associated with lumbar spine degenerative disc disease status post L4-5 discectomy, effective February 23, 2007. A noncompensable rating was granted for erectile dysfunction associated with lumbar spine degenerative disc disease status post L4-5 discectomy, effective February 23, 2007. SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ was granted, effective February 23, 2007.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's depression symptoms did not cause occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity that would warrant a higher rating than 30 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- depression, mixed type headache disorder, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease status post L4-5 discectomy, erectile dysfunction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- July 1, 2020
- Citation
- 20044397
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 20044397.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction was denied as the evidence did not show that he had been diagnosed and manifested to at least a 10 percent disability rating on or prior to May 8, 2001.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining in-service psychiatric treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder.
- Denied
The Veteran's depression was rated at 50 percent prior to July 1, 2016. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. For TDIU, the Veteran had multiple service-connected disabilities but his education and work experience were sufficient for sedentary or light labor employment.
- Granted
The Veteran's depression was rated at 50 percent prior to September 27, 2017. From September 27, 2017, the rating for depression increased to 70 percent.
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