The Veteran's service-connected dysthymic disorder and OCD were found to not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation, as her symptoms did not include suspiciousness, panic attacks (weekly or less often), chronic sleep impairment, and mild memory loss. The current 10% rating is therefore maintained.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms did not reach the level required by the criteria for a higher disability rating under Diagnostic Codes 9404 and 9433.
- Claimed conditions
- dysthymic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 21, 2011
- Citation
- 1115640
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 1115640.
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: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran during the pendency of the appeal.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew their appeal for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for higher SMC was denied as his need for aid and attendance is already covered by the current rate, and he does not meet criteria for additional rates based on blindness or loss of use.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's dysthymic disorder disability was productive of total social and occupational impairment throughout the claim period, warranting a 100 percent disability rating.
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