The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated as TDIU effective February 21, 2024.,SMC at the housebound rate is granted effective February 21, 2024.,An initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis is denied.,A higher rating of hypertension is denied.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's depressive disorder alone meets the criteria for a TDIU as it prevents him from securing or following substantially gainful employment due to its severity.,The Veteran has additional service-connected disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent or higher in combination, qualifying for SMC at the housebound rate.,Allergic rhinitis does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as it only warrants a 0% evaluation under Diagnostic Code 6522 due to less than 50% obstruction of nasal passages on both sides.,Hypertension does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there is no diastolic pressure predominantly above 120.

Claimed conditions

Depressive Disorder, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Hypothyroidism, Dry Eye Syndrome, Arthritis of the Lumbar Spine, Arthritis of the Left Knee, Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy, Right Lower Extremity Radiculopathy

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

60%

Decision date

December 19, 2024

Citation

A24085366

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 A24085366.