The VA granted the veteran a 10 percent rating for dysthymia, which is the lowest possible rating under the applicable diagnostic code.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the veteran's dysthymia resulted from service-connected head trauma and alcohol abuse, but did not meet criteria for higher ratings due to its impact on his occupational and social functioning.
- Claimed conditions
- dysthymia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 7, 2005
- Citation
- 0500441
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 0500441.
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.
- 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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted the restoration of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits, effective March 1, 2021. The increased rating for dysthymia was denied.
- Partly granted
The veteran was granted a 50% rating for dysthymia from August 20, 2007, to January 2, 2013, and a 100% rating for major depressive disorder starting January 3, 2013. The claim for TDIU prior to January 3, 2013, was denied.
- Denied
The appeal for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection and a higher rating was denied as there is no legal basis to assign an earlier effective date.
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