The veteran's service-connected undifferentiated somatoform disorder, which includes a psychogenic gastrointestinal reaction, is not shown to be of such severity as to warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent. The claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to the service-connected condition also failed.
The deciding factor: The veteran's undifferentiated somatoform disorder has been characterized by intermittent gastrointestinal symptoms and occasional anxiety attacks, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it does not demonstrate significant impairment in thought processes or communication skills, nor does it cause occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
- Claimed conditions
- psychogenic gastrointestinal reaction, undifferentiated somatoform disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- December 22, 2004
- Citation
- 0433762
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 0433762.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran is unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, resulting in a TDIU being granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance is remanded due to the lack of adequate information regarding his current state of service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection due to incomplete development, including failure to notify the Veteran of scheduled examinations. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.
- Denied
The Veteran's VR&E benefits were discontinued due to her failure to cooperate with extended evaluation and the determination that achievement of a vocational goal is not currently reasonably feasible.
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.