The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his PTSD with dysthymia, as it found that the condition caused occupational and social impairment but did not result in significant deficiencies in most areas.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the veteran's PTSD causes reduced reliability and productivity but does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with dysthymia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- March 30, 2007
- Citation
- 0709396
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 0709396.
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.
- Denied
The Board found that the veteran did not engage in combat with an enemy and his PTSD was not service-connected as it is not related to a verified stressor. The VA medical records do not show any diagnosis of PTSD during or after service, and there is no credible evidence supporting a stressor related to military service.
- Granted
The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of February 2, 1998 for a 50 percent evaluation for PTSD with dysthymia is granted based on the informal claim he made in February 1998.
- Granted
The Board found that the veteran's overpayment of VA benefits was not against equity and good conscience, as his fault in creating the debt contributed to its creation. Recovery would not defeat the purpose of his compensation benefits, nor result in unjust enrichment or relinquishment of valuable rights.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's request for an effective date prior to October 31, 1997 for a 50% disability rating for PTSD with dysthymia. The RO had previously increased the rating from non-compensable to 30%, and then to 50% effective October 31, 1997.
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