The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected TBI. The left clavicle disability is granted an initial rating of 30 percent, but no higher. The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder is proximately due to his service-connected TBI and awarded service connection for it. For the left clavicle disability, the VA examiner noted severe limitations in motion and provided a rating of 30 percent based on flexion limited to 25 degrees from the side. The Veteran was found unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Unspecified depressive disorder, Left clavicle disability
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- December 28, 2021
- Citation
- 21077130
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 21077130.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and opinion regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's claim is also being considered for secondary service connection of his psychiatric disorder to a service-connected left knee disability.
- Granted
The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, characterized as PTSD and other specified trauma and stressor related disorder, was granted service connection. The effective date for the right elbow scar ratings is set at December 17, 2018.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his bilateral lower extremity neuropathy due to diabetes mellitus, have resulted in loss of use of both lower extremities. The Board has granted eligibility for specially adapted housing and dismissed the claim for a special home adaptation grant as moot.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding whether his surgeries and post-surgical care resulted in additional disabilities, as well as an evaluation of fault on VA's part.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.