The Board granted initial disability ratings of 70 percent for major depressive disorder, and 20 percent each for left and right lower extremity neuropathy/radiculopathy. The lumbar spine disability was denied a higher rating, and the effective dates for service connection were adjusted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms most closely approximated the criteria for a 70 percent rating for major depressive disorder and 20 percent ratings for lower extremity neuropathy/radiculopathy. The lumbar spine disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, and service connection was established from November 10, 2010.
- Claimed conditions
- major depressive disorder, left lower extremity neuropathy/radiculopathy, right lower extremity neuropathy/radiculopathy, status post L5-S1 posterior spinal fusion, degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, status post spinal fusion and intervertebral disc syndrome (lumbar spine disability), lower back scar post spinal fusion associated with status post L5-S1 posterior spinal fusion (lumbar scar)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 21, 2025
- Citation
- A25045916
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for major depressive disorder is dismissed as moot because the earliest effective date was granted during the pendency of this appeal.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, hypertension, and various musculoskeletal and skin disabilities.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for right and left hip degenerative arthritis as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right ankle and knee conditions, and major depressive disorder as secondary to his service-connected knee and ankle conditions. The Board also granted a 10 percent rating for allergic rhinitis.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for major depressive disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected tinnitus.
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