The VA denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for depressive neurosis and service connection for diabetes mellitus. The decision found that there was no evidence of a higher rating prior to October 17, 1997 and insufficient evidence linking current diabetes mellitus to active service.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the veteran's claims were not supported by sufficient medical evidence or a clear link between his conditions and service.
- Claimed conditions
- Depressive Neurosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 3, 2002
- Citation
- 0204096
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 0204096.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for depressive neurosis, finding that his symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent prior to February 28, 2018, and in excess of 50 percent thereafter.
- Denied
The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection, TDIU, and DEA benefits due to the Veteran's psychiatric disability. The effective date of service connection was set at August 6, 2008.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at the highest possible level (100%) for the entire appeal period, from November 24, 1981 to June 15, 2003.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD and depressive neurosis are already service-connected, but his skull fracture and scarring from a gunshot wound are not rated higher than the current 10 percent. The skull fracture does not meet criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 5296, while the scarring is evaluated at 10 percent based on one characteristic of disfigurement.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.