The Veteran's major depressive episode has been rated at the highest available rating of 50 percent since September 5, 2003. The VA examiner found that the Veteran met the diagnostic criteria for a single episode of moderate major depressive disorder with symptoms such as depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, and decreased ability to engage in work and leisure activities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's depression was rated at the highest available rating due to his significant impairment in occupational and social functioning.
- Claimed conditions
- Major Depressive Episode
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- March 15, 2010
- Citation
- 1009747
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 1009747.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance due to service-connected disability, finding that his condition does not meet the criteria as he is able to perform daily activities with assistance when needed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that more contemporaneous examinations are needed for the Veteran's service-connected PTSD with persistent depressed disorder and major depressive episode, lumbar spine disability, and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The issues of increased ratings for these conditions are being remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD prior to November 6, 2006 resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as flattened affect, panic attacks more than once a week, difficulty understanding complex commands, impaired judgment, disturbances of motivation and mood, and difficulty establishing effective work and social relationships.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders. The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to address the etiology of any mental disorders present, including PTSD.
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