The Veteran's dysthymic disorder was rated at 10 percent from April 15, 1981 through February 2, 1988. The Board denied a higher rating for this period. For the TDIU claim, the Board found that prior to March 31, 1997, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for a TDIU.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed dysthymic disorder with emotional tension and moderate social impairment but no definite impairment in establishing or maintaining effective relationships. The Board concluded that these findings did not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- dysthymic disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 5, 2012
- Citation
- 1230386
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 1230386.
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 withdrew their appeal for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder.
- 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.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for fibromyalgia and psychiatric disabilities, as well as his entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU), are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected dysthymic disorder, anxiety disorder, borderline intellectual functioning, and dyslexia have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
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