The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for the service-connected somatoform pain disorder (psychogenic pain disorder), finding that it produces occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.
The deciding factor: The veteran's symptoms of the service-connected somatoform pain disorder, along with significant impairment from non-service-connected mental conditions, support a higher rating than the current 30 percent assigned.
- Claimed conditions
- somatoform pain disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 8, 2002
- Citation
- 0216079
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 0216079.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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 fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal disorder, and somatoform pain disorder are all found to be related to her service-connected conditions.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a right knee disability or somatoform pain disorder as a result of service. The claim for service connection is denied.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed psychiatric disorders clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service, and were not aggravated by service. Therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety, is being remanded due to the need for additional development. The case will be reviewed again after obtaining updated VA treatment records and arranging for a comprehensive VA examination.
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.