The veteran's somatization disorder affecting the orthopedic and gastrointestinal systems is currently manifested by symptoms which include joint pain, abdominal pain, back pain, fatigue, poor sleep, decreased concentration, social isolation, and headaches with associated photophobia, occasional panic attacks, depressed mood, and anxiety. These symptoms result in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.
The deciding factor: The veteran's somatization disorder does not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 50 percent as his symptoms do not cause deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.
- Claimed conditions
- Somatization disorder affecting the orthopedic and gastrointestinal systems
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 28, 2009
- Citation
- 0903040
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
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