The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is granted, and he is also granted service connection for diabetic nephropathy as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is rated at the highest available rating of 70 percent under the General Formula for Mental Disorders.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner opined that the claimed condition was at least as likely as not proximately due to or the result of the Veteran's declining health conditions which interfere with social and occupational functioning. The symptoms attributable to this condition could not be distinguished from his service-connected PTSD symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- Depressive Disorder, Diabetes Mellitus Type II, Diabetic Nephropathy
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- November 3, 2021
- Citation
- 21067064
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 21067064.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II (DMII) as due to herbicide agent exposure, finding that he has not been diagnosed with DMII at any point during the period on appeal.
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