The Veteran was granted a rating of 70 percent for an acquired psychiatric disability and 40 percent for a lumbar spine disability, effective from April 21, 2021, to June 24, 2024.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms during the period on appeal were consistent with occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, judgment, or mood for the acquired psychiatric disability, warranting a 70 percent rating. For the lumbar spine disability, the evidence showed forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, but without unfavorable ankylosis or its functional equivalent.

Claimed conditions

Acquired psychiatric disability (major depressive disorder with anxiety and traumatic brain injury), Lumbar spine disability (lumbosacral strain)

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

February 18, 2025

Citation

25002310

Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine