The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating for major depression with substance abuse was denied, but an earlier effective date of December 31, 1984 for TDIU was granted.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for the service-connected condition during the relevant period, but granted an earlier effective date for TDIU based on the Veteran's inability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Major depression with substance abuse
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- December 10, 2025
- Citation
- 25014781
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