The Board denied ratings in excess of the current assigned ratings for various service-connected conditions, including major depressive disorder and musculoskeletal issues, as well as a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show symptoms consistent with higher ratings for the Veteran's psychiatric and musculoskeletal conditions during the appeal period.
- Claimed conditions
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Left Knee Patellofemoral Syndrome, Right Knee Strain, Left Wrist Sprain, Right Hip Femoral Acetabular Impingement (Right Hip Extension Condition), Right Hip Femoral Acetabular Impingement (Right Hip Flexion Condition), Right Hip Femoral Acetabular Impingement (Right Thigh Condition), Right Trapezius Strain (Right Shoulder Condition)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 17, 2025
- Citation
- A25053252
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
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 claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include MDD, as secondary to service-connected disabilities due to a duty to assist error.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including GAD, MDD, PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and foot disabilities. The claim for NSC pension benefits was dismissed as moot due to a higher disability rating.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of June 21, 2024, for the award of service connection for major depressive disorder (MDD).
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development and to ensure compliance with VA's duty to assist.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.