The Board found that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder did not have its onset during service and is not related to his military service. The right shoulder disability was rated at 30 percent, but no higher rating was granted due to lack of evidence showing more than limitation of motion. For the lumbar spine disability, a rating in excess of 20 percent from July 18, 2005, to March 4, 2009, and in excess of 40 percent thereafter is denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's statements regarding his psychiatric symptoms during service were not credible, as they contradicted his service treatment records. The VA examiner's opinion was based on a history that the Board found to be unreliable due to its inconsistency with the Veteran's service records and lack of evidence of counseling in service.
- Claimed conditions
- anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder, major depressive disorder
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 30, 2010
- Citation
- 1028662
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1028662.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for specially-adapted housing assistance and a special home adaptation grant was denied because he does not meet the criteria for either benefit based on his service-connected disabilities.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension and increased rating for anxiety disorder have been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of a current disability meeting the criteria for hypertension, and the Veteran's anxiety disorder does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.
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