The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder with anxiety is currently rated at 50 percent disabling, and the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran was denied an increased disability rating for his MDD as well as service connection for PTSD.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as flattened affect, panic attacks more than once a week, or deficiencies in most areas resulting from the psychiatric condition. The Veteran's GAF scores were within the range of moderate symptoms (61-70), indicating some mild symptoms but no significant impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- Major Depressive Disorder with Anxiety
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- March 9, 2018
- Citation
- 1815007
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 1815007.
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 Board has granted service connection for Major Depressive Disorder with Anxiety, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his military service.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's sleep apnea disorder as secondary to his service-connected insomnia disorder, MDD with anxiety, migraine headaches, and tinnitus. The decision also acknowledges that the Veteran's opioid medication taken for bilateral shoulder disorders may have contributed to his sleep apnea.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's MDD with anxiety is currently rated at 50 percent, effective June 2, 2016. The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial evaluation of 70 percent from June 22, 2004 to February 8, 2015. The effective date for this grant is June 22, 2004.
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