The Veteran's anxiety and depressive disorder are rated at 50 percent, but no higher. The initial compensable rating for lumbar spine DJD prior to June 26, 2019 is denied. The case is remanded for further evaluation of the lumbar spine DJD from June 26, 2019 onwards and for TDIU.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's anxiety and depressive disorder symptoms more closely approximated a 50 percent rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The lumbar spine DJD prior to June 26, 2019 did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there was no evidence of forward flexion less than 30 degrees or combined range of motion less than 120 degrees.
- Claimed conditions
- Anxiety and depressive disorder, Lumbar spine degenerative joint disease (DJD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- September 2, 2022
- Citation
- 22050273
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 22050273.
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 Board denied the claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine DJD, left knee disability based on limitation of extension, and right knee disability based on limitation of extension.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for anxiety and depressive disorder, as well as lumbar spine DJD prior to June 26, 2019, was denied. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a rating in excess of 50 percent for anxiety and depressive disorder or a rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbar spine DJD prior to June 26, 2019.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for anxiety and depressive disorder was denied. The Board found that the severity, frequency, and duration of his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating. His TDIU claim prior to June 8, 2016, was also denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for updated VA examinations.
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