The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder rating was restored to 50 percent, and the appeal for PTSD is granted. The application to reopen a claim of service connection for low back pain is also granted. However, the issues regarding an initial compensable rating for left ear hearing loss since May 17, 2012; service connection for a lumbar spine disorder; service connection for a cervical spine disorder; and entitlement to TDIU since May 17, 2012 are remanded.
The deciding factor: The reduction in the Veteran's MDD rating was improper as it did not reflect an improvement in her ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work. The PTSD claim is granted based on a link between current symptoms and service-connected MDD. New evidence supports reopening the low back pain claim.
- Claimed conditions
- Major depressive disorder, Posttraumatic stress disorder, Low back pain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- July 19, 2022
- Citation
- 22041151
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 22041151.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder does not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or confined to his home, thus SMC based on housebound status and/or need for regular aid and attendance is denied.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, as secondary to his already service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to his in-service harassment. Service connection was denied for a binge eating disorder as there is no evidence of such a condition.
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