The Veteran's initial rating for depressive disorder is denied as his symptoms do not warrant a higher than 30 percent disability rating. The Board found that the Veteran's depression causes occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s depressive disorder has been consistently observed to cause occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks, which is consistent with a 30 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 9434. The symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Depressive Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- October 31, 2018
- Citation
- 18146271
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 18146271.
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.
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The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed as the claim was granted and effective from February 22, 2023.
- Granted
The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, specifically depressive disorder, is rated at 70 percent effective from August 3, 2021. The claim for a higher rating remains denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected Depressive Disorder is causing him to require regular assistance in keeping himself clean and presentable, which may qualify him for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance. The case is being remanded to schedule a VA examination to assess this issue.
- Granted
The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of service connection (January 23, 2020), due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
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