The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected PTSD with dysthymic disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating than 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA found that the appellant's symptoms were not severe enough to warrant a higher rating under the applicable criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with dysthymic disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 18, 2000
- Citation
- 0004374
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0004374.
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 Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing opinions regarding the service connection of sleep apnea and narcolepsy. The TDIU claim will also be deferred until these issues are addressed.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD with dysthymic disorder is rated at 70 percent for the entire appeal period, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.
- Granted
The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD with dysthymic disorder warranted a 70 percent disability rating, which was granted in April 2011.
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD with dysthymic disorder is rated at 30 percent, the minimum rating available under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The evidence shows mild to moderate symptoms that do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.
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