The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of 70 percent for major depressive disorder has been granted. The claims for service connection for back condition and right lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as the increased ratings for right knee conditions, are remanded.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms were consistent with a 70% rating for major depressive disorder but did not meet criteria for a higher rating due to lack of total occupational and social impairment. The claims for back condition and right lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as increased ratings for right knee conditions, are remanded for further examination and opinion.
- Claimed conditions
- Major Depressive Disorder, Back Condition, Right Lower Extremity Radiculopathy, Right Knee Medial Degenerative Compartment Changes, Right Knee Instability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 14, 2024
- Citation
- 24012031
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 24012031.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities have been rated and denied for increased ratings, with some conditions receiving specific disability ratings. The Veteran is granted a 60% rating for her total right knee replacement from September 4, 2015 onwards, but the other claims are denied.
- 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.
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