The Board granted earlier effective dates and higher initial ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, service connection for polysubstance abuse disorder secondary to a service-connected disability, and a TDIU.
The deciding factor: The decision was based on the evidence showing that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder was caused by his service-connected back disability, and that he met the criteria for a higher rating due to the combined effects of all his service-connected disabilities precluding him from securing and following any substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease of the Lumbar Spine, Acquired Psychiatric Disorder, including Major Depressive Disorder and Polysubstance Abuse Disorder
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 14, 2025
- Citation
- A25088050
Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.