The Veteran's cervical spine DJD received a 20% rating from December 12, 2011 to January 28, 2014. The entire period saw a 20% rating for the left upper extremity radiculopathy and a 70% rating for major depressive disorder. A TDIU was granted starting from January 27, 2019.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine DJD met criteria for a 20% rating during the specified period due to forward flexion limitations. The entire period saw ratings based on service-connected conditions and no new evidence of service connection was presented.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical Spine Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), Lumbar Spine Disability, Status-post Diskectomy, Major Depressive Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 8, 2023
- Citation
- 23008160
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 23008160.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a 70 percent disability rating for his psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with MDD and anxiety, has been granted. However, the issue of entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is remanded due to procedural issues.
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