The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for major depressive disorder was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent.,The effective date for service connection for lumbar radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was denied because there was no indication that the Veteran intended to apply for benefits until December 3, 2012.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.,There is no evidence indicating that the Veteran intended to apply for benefits prior to December 3, 2012.
- Claimed conditions
- Major Depressive Disorder, Lumbar Strain with Degenerative Disk Disease, Femoral Nerve Radiculopathy of the Left Lower Extremity, Sciatic Nerve Radiculopathy of the Right Lower Extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 6, 2020
- Citation
- 20044929
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 20044929.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected low back and radiculopathy disabilities, which prevent him from doing enjoyable activities and daily living tasks.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a 70 percent disability rating for his psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with MDD and anxiety, has been granted. However, the issue of entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is remanded due to procedural issues.
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