The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as service-connected due to its onset during active service and aggravation by her service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's asthma is granted as service-connected due to its manifestation within the 10-year presumptive period following separation from active service in Afghanistan.,The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is granted as service-connected due to its onset during active service.,The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus is not addressed by VA examination and requires further evaluation.,The Veteran's chronic bilateral ear disorder is not addressed by VA examination and requires further evaluation.,The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity nerve damage, to include as a result of a service-connected disability, is not addressed by VA examination and requires further evaluation.,The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity nerve damage, to include as a result of a service-connected disability, is not addressed by VA examination and requires further evaluation.,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, to include as a result of a service-connected disability, is granted as service-connected due to its aggravation by her major depressive disorder.,The Veteran's chronic headaches are granted as service-connected with an increased rating required based on the frequency and severity of attacks.,The Veteran's lumbar spine spondylosis at L5-S1 prior to September 25, 2019 is granted as service-connected with a higher rating required after that date.,The Veteran's cervical spine osteoarthritis prior to September 25, 2019 is granted as service-connected with a higher rating required after that date.,The Veteran's right knee medial compartment osteoarthritis is granted as service-connected with a higher rating required based on the severity of symptoms.
The deciding factor: Major depressive disorder was shown to be due to her service-connected disabilities, including chronic pain and other conditions.,Asthma was shown to have manifested within the 10-year presumptive period following separation from active service in Afghanistan.,Bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was first manifest during active service and is considered a continuing medical problem.,Type II diabetes mellitus requires further evaluation by VA examination due to its onset after separation from active service.,Chronic bilateral ear disorder requires further evaluation by VA examination due to the Veteran's history of complaints and diagnoses.,Bilateral lower extremity nerve damage, to include as a result of a service-connected disability, requires further evaluation by VA examination due to the inconsistency in findings between VA examinations.,Bilateral upper extremity nerve damage, to include as a result of a service-connected disability, requires further evaluation by VA examination due to the inconsistency in findings between VA examinations.,Obstructive sleep apnea is considered secondary to her major depressive disorder and other service-connected disabilities.,Chronic headaches are granted as service-connected with an increased rating required based on the frequency and severity of attacks.,Lumbar spine spondylosis at L5-S1 prior to September 25, 2019 is granted as service-connected with a higher rating required after that date.,Cervical spine osteoarthritis prior to September 25, 2019 is granted as service-connected with a higher rating required after that date.,Right knee medial compartment osteoarthritis is granted as service-connected with a higher rating required based on the severity of symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- Major Depressive Disorder, Asthma, Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Type II Diabetes Mellitus, Chronic Bilateral Ear Disorder, Bilateral Lower Extremity Nerve Damage (to include as a result of service-connected disability), Bilateral Upper Extremity Nerve Damage (to include as a result of service-connected disability), Obstructive Sleep Apnea (to include as a result of service-connected disability), Chronic Headaches, Lumbar Spine Spondylosis at L5-S1, Cervical Spine Osteoarthritis, Right Knee Medial Compartment Osteoarthritis
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 19, 2023
- Citation
- 23003400
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 23003400.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected low back and radiculopathy disabilities, which prevent him from doing enjoyable activities and daily living tasks.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Denied
The Veteran's asthma is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that this rating adequately compensates his service-connected condition.
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