The Veteran's opiate dependence and pain disorder associated with both psychological factors and a general medical condition have been rated, but the appeal for an increased rating is denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a finding of occupational and social impairment due to more severe symptoms that would warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Opiate Dependence, Pain Disorder associated with both psychological factors and a general medical condition (including Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- July 6, 2017
- Citation
- 1725687
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 1725687.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted a TDIU due to his service-connected mental disorders, but SMC based on housebound status and need for regular aid and attendance are denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional development is required before the Veteran's claim can be decided, including obtaining VA and private medical records, as well as a VA examination to assess the Veteran's competency level.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to October 16, 2004 manifested by reduced reliability and productivity due to anxiety, angering easily, having poor sleep and having a strained relationship with his wife. For the period from October 16, 2004 to January 10, 2010, the Veteran's PTSD symptoms manifested by deficiencies in most areas due to an inability to work, anger outbursts, anxiety, sleep issues, irritability, isolation, nightmares, generalized anxiety, lethargy, and anger problems affecting his marriage.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depression, alcohol dependence, and opiate dependence, has been found to warrant a 30 percent schedular evaluation since the date of service connection. The appeal for an increased rating is denied.
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