Entitlement to an earlier effective date of August 1, 2017 for the 70 percent evaluation for major depressive disorder (MDD) is granted.,Entitlement to an effective date earlier than January 26, 2018 for service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy, femoral nerve is denied.,Entitlement to an effective date earlier than January 26, 2018 for service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy, femoral nerve is denied.,Eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 (DEA benefits) prior to January 26, 2018 is denied.
The deciding factor: The effective date for the increased disability rating for MDD was assigned as of August 1, 2017, when the Veteran's depression had increased to a level requiring her to work from home in August 2017.
- Claimed conditions
- Major Depressive Disorder, Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy, Femoral Nerve, Right Lower Extremity Radiculopathy, Femoral Nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- December 14, 2023
- Citation
- 23066151
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 23066151.
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.
- 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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