The Board has granted an increased evaluation of 30 percent for dysthymia, effective February 7, 1997. The veteran's claim was reopened on new evidence and the earlier effective date request is denied.
The deciding factor: The veteran's claim for a higher rating for dysthymia was previously denied in February 1988 but was later reopened due to new evidence submitted by the veteran, leading to an increased evaluation of 30 percent effective February 7, 1997. The earlier effective date request is not granted as it pertains to a previous denial that has since been revised.
- Claimed conditions
- dysthymia
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- March 30, 2004
- Citation
- 0408134
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,547 · Granted: 20% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 0408134.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for dysthymia due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for a new examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of recent VA examination, and it is recommended that the Veteran undergoes another examination to assess his current psychiatric disability.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including dysthymia, major depressive disorder, and PTSD, as of March 16, 2005. The decision is based on the evidence showing a formal diagnosis during active duty and consistent lay testimony.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, dysthymia, and anxious distress based on the Veteran's in-service combat-related stressors.
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