The Veteran's depressive disorder, not otherwise specified; and panic disorder without agoraphobia were manifested by an occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood from June 21, 2007 to October 9, 2007. From October 10, 2007 to November 27, 2007, the Veteran's psychiatric conditions did not meet criteria for a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The appellant experienced occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood from June 21, 2007 to October 9, 2007. However, by October 10, 2007, the Veteran started working for his father's plumbing company and had a girlfriend, indicating improvement in his ability to adapt to stressful circumstances and establish effective relationships.
- Claimed conditions
- Depressive Disorder, not otherwise specified, Panic Disorder without agoraphobia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- May 8, 2012
- Citation
- 1216435
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 1216435.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted the appellant's claims for service connection for PTSD, GAD and panic disorder without agoraphobia, MDD, and AUD. The appeal regarding sleep disturbances is denied as there are no other non-substance-use related disorders that have been diagnosed.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD from September 18, 2018 is dismissed. The claim for an initial rating higher than 50 percent prior to September 18, 2018 for PTSD is denied.
- Denied
The Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's depressive disorder, finding that his symptoms did not more closely approximate total occupational and social impairment.
- Denied
The Veteran's depressive disorder, not otherwise specified, was denied a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to May 16, 2013. From that date, the Veteran is granted a 70 percent rating for this condition. The back disability claim was also denied.
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.