The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for service-connected dysthymic disorder and did not address the TDIU claim due to lack of evidence showing that the appellant's service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
The deciding factor: VA treatment records showed no increase in symptoms of dysthymia, with GAF scores ranging from 51 to 62. The VA examiner assigned a diagnosis of dysthymic disorder and a GAF score of 55, indicating moderate symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- Dysthymic Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 26, 2016
- Citation
- 1629843
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1629843.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found a pre-decisional duty to assist error and remands the case for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder(s).
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and dysthymic disorder, are granted as at least as likely as not related to in-service military sexual trauma (MSTs). The claim for a sleep disorder is remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of 50 percent for generalized anxiety disorder from March 1, 2023 was granted. The effective date remains pending as the earlier effective date request is separate and distinct.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as major depressive disorder (MDD), dysthymic disorder, adjustment disorder with anxiety, general anxiety disorder, and panic disorder, effective December 12, 2024.
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