The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for low back strain or major depressive disorder.,The Veteran was service-connected for his conditions under direct criteria, meaning they were linked to his military service without requiring additional presumptions.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners determined that the Veteran's symptoms and range of motion did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on Diagnostic Code 5237 (for low back strain) or Diagnostic Code 9434 (for major depressive disorder).
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Low Back Strain"}, {"condition_name":"Major Depressive Disorder"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 7, 2020
- Citation
- 20065254
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.
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.