The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of a 70% rating for major depressive disorder was denied. The Veteran also had his claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of a 50% rating for migraines denied.,Both conditions were rated based on their direct service connection without any presumption, secondary condition, or other specific theory.
The deciding factor: The severity and frequency of the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating. The Board found that his symptoms more closely approximated those associated with a 50% rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Major Depressive Disorder, Migraines
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- September 21, 2024
- Citation
- A24059197
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 A24059197.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's initial evaluation for tension headaches to include migraines is granted, with a rating of 50 percent effective from May 23, 2023.
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