The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected depression, subarachnoid hemorrhage residuals, and facial weakness have been denied as the evidence does not show that these conditions warrant a rating higher than the current assigned ratings.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability is currently manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking or mood. The residuals of his subarachnoid hemorrhage are not shown to be productive of more than very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks of migraine headaches. His facial weakness is primarily manifested by subjective complaints without objective evidence of impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- Major Depression, Subarachnoid Hemorrhage with Residuals (including chronic headaches)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- December 19, 2005
- Citation
- 0534257
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 0534257.
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.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, Major Depression, and Panic Disorder due to his withdrawal of these issues prior to a decision being made.
- Denied
The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is rated at 70 percent. The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected major depression and anxiety disorder are considered part of his service-connected peripheral neuropathy, which already qualifies him for SMC(l). Therefore, he is not eligible for a higher rate of SMC.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with major depression, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his military service and resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the claimant.
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