The Board granted a 70 percent rating for major depressive disorder, to include generalized anxiety disorder, with PTSD; a 40 percent rating for lumbosacral strain, to include intervertebral disc syndrome, with degenerative arthritis (thoracolumbar spine disability); and initial ratings of 40 percent each for right sciatic radiculopathy and left sciatic radiculopathy. The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee strain with patellofemoral pain syndrome, a 20 percent rating or higher for the same condition, and any other initial ratings for the right knee disability under other Diagnostic Codes pertaining to the knee and leg. A 10 percent rating was granted for allergic rhinitis (claimed as chronic sinusitis).
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms more closely approximated those associated with a 70 percent rating for his acquired psychiatric disability, a 40 percent rating for his thoracolumbar spine disability, and initial ratings of 40 percent each for right sciatic radiculopathy and left sciatic radiculopathy. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms did not warrant higher ratings or additional ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Major depressive disorder, to include generalized anxiety disorder, with PTSD, Lumbosacral strain, to include intervertebral disc syndrome, with degenerative arthritis (thoracolumbar spine disability), Right sciatic radiculopathy, Left sciatic radiculopathy, Right knee strain with patellofemoral pain syndrome, Allergic rhinitis (claimed as chronic sinusitis)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 3, 2025
- Citation
- A25048620
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the Veteran's claims for additional VA examinations to properly evaluate the current severity of her disabilities.
- Granted
The Board granted initial ratings of 40 percent for lumbar spine disorder, 70 percent for major depressive disorder, and 40 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy. TDIU and SMC based on housebound status were also granted.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, currently diagnosed as other specified trauma and stressor related disorder and major depressive disorder.
- Dismissed
The appeal is dismissed due to res judicata, as the issues were previously adjudicated and are now barred from further review.
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