Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Board found that the veteran's major depression, dysthymia and psychotic-depressive reaction warranted a rating of 50 percent disabling but not higher. The disability is characterized by symptoms such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, inability to establish effective relationships, disturbances of mood and motivation, impaired impulse control, mild neglect of personal appearance and hygiene, suspiciousness, and difficulty concentrating.

The deciding factor: The veteran's major depression, dysthymia and psychotic-depressive reaction are rated under Diagnostic Code 9434 (Major Depression), which is the only applicable code for these conditions. The symptoms described in the decision align with those typically associated with a rating of 50 percent.

Claimed conditions
major depression, dysthymia, psychotic-depressive reaction
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
50%
Decision date
February 15, 2008
Citation
0805429

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 0805429.

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.

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.