The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating for service-connected major depressive disorder from December 17, 2018 is dismissed as moot.,The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for epididymitis of the left testicle remains denied. The evidence does not support a finding that his condition meets or more closely approximates the criteria for a 30 percent disability rating.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for right hip degenerative changes with trochanter bursitis is remanded, as there is insufficient evidence to determine if he meets the criteria for a 20 percent disability rating based on limitation of abduction.,The Veteran's claim for chronic lumbar strain remains denied. The evidence does not support a finding that his condition meets or more closely approximates the criteria for a higher disability rating.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for gout is denied. The evidence does not support a finding that his condition began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for kidney stones is denied. The evidence does not support a finding that his condition began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The deciding factor: The Board found the issue moot due to the grant of a total disability rating for major depressive disorder from December 17, 2018.,There was no evidence showing recurrent symptomatic infections requiring drainage by stent or nephrostomy tube; or requiring greater than 2 hospitalizations per year; or requiring continuous intensive management.,The Veteran's right hip condition did not meet the criteria for a 20 percent disability rating based on limitation of abduction, as motion lost beyond 10 degrees was not demonstrated.,There is no evidence showing flexion limited to 45 degrees or less, which would warrant a higher disability rating under DC 5252.,The Veteran's gout and kidney stones were denied due to lack of evidence linking the conditions to service.,The Veteran's chronic lumbar strain was denied as there is no evidence showing flexion limited to 45 degrees or less, which would warrant a higher disability rating under DC 5252.

Claimed conditions

Major depressive disorder, Epididymitis of the left testicle, Right hip degenerative changes with trochanter bursitis, Chronic lumbar strain, Gout, Kidney stones

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

November 15, 2022

Citation

A22022948

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 A22022948.