The Veteran's MDD with PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective April 27, 2011. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating as her symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 70% disability rating.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners concluded that the Veteran's MDD with PTSD caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity but did not meet the criteria for a 70% disability rating due to infrequent suicidal ideation and hallucinations, which were inconsistent with her overall mental health status.
- Claimed conditions
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- January 22, 2019
- Citation
- 19105149
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 granted an initial increased rating of 70 percent, but no higher, prior to November 22, 2024, for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.