The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for major depressive disorder, left ankle fracture, and left knee strain was denied. The Veteran is not entitled to a rating in excess of 30 percent for his major depressive disorder or an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his left ankle fracture. However, he is granted service connection for the left knee strain as secondary to his right knee strain.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran's symptoms were severe enough to warrant a higher rating than 30 percent for major depressive disorder or an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his left ankle fracture. The Board found that the Veteran's overall level of impairment was best summarized as 'occupational and social impairment due to mild transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency and ability.'
- Claimed conditions
- Major depressive disorder, Left ankle fracture, Left knee strain
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- March 25, 2026
- Citation
- A26026746
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A26026746.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder does not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or confined to his home, thus SMC based on housebound status and/or need for regular aid and attendance is denied.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, as secondary to his already service-connected hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine strain, right wrist sprain, right knee strain, left knee strain, and right ankle strain. The disabilities are all deemed to have begun during the Veteran's active duty.
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