The Board denied an initial rating greater than 70 percent for persistent depressive disorder and generalized anxiety, granted a 20 percent rating for cervical strain, lumbosacral strain, right lower extremity shin splints, and left lower extremity shin splints, but denied an initial rating greater than 10 percent for bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The deciding factor: The evidence was in approximate balance as to whether the Veteran's cervical spine disorder, lumbosacral strain, right and left lower extremity shin splints were manifested by certain levels of impairment, but not enough to warrant higher ratings. The criteria for a 100 percent rating for persistent depressive disorder and generalized anxiety were not met or more nearly approximated at any time during the period for review.

Claimed conditions

Persistent depressive disorder and generalized anxiety, Cervical strain, Lumbosacral strain, Right lower extremity shin splints, Left lower extremity shin splints, Bilateral plantar fasciitis

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

October 7, 2025

Citation

A25086486

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