The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is denied. The current effective date remains August 31, 2021.,The Veteran's initial rating request for MDD has been denied as his symptoms do not warrant a higher than 70 percent disability rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show that the records in question were newly associated with the file subsequent to the May 2013 decision, and there is no clear indication that the March 2023 VA examiner relied on these records for his nexus opinion.,The Veteran's symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher than 70 percent disability rating as they do not demonstrate total occupational and social impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- Major Depressive Disorder
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- August 22, 2024
- Citation
- A24049396
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 A24049396.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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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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