The veteran's dysthymic disorder with PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that this does not warrant an increased rating. The veteran has one service-connected disability and is not considered unemployable due to his service-connected condition.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the veteran's dysthymic disorder with PTSD results in no more than depression and disturbances of motivation and mood, which do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- dysthymic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 14, 2001
- Citation
- 0120739
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 0120739.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with MDD is found to be the cause of his sleep apnea, and he has been granted secondary service connection for this condition.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for erectile dysfunction, cervical spine condition, OSA, anxiety disorder, PTSD, and depression disorder as they were previously denied by prior decisions that have not been vacated or remanded.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew their appeal for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's dysthymic disorder disability was productive of total social and occupational impairment throughout the claim period, warranting a 100 percent disability rating.
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