The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder has not resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, so he is not entitled to a higher rating than the current 30 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 50% disability rating as required by Diagnostic Code 9434 due to his depressive disorder.
- Claimed conditions
- Depressive Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- June 24, 2019
- Citation
- 19148939
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case for further examination and review of medical records, as well as a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence showing additional periods of service on the USS Aeolus during which the Veteran's claimed stressor may have occurred. The Veteran also has been diagnosed with depressive disorder and severe recurrent major depressive disorder, and chronic pain from his service-connected bilateral ankle disability affects his life.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with heroin abuse in full remission and depressive disorder not otherwise specified is granted a 100 percent rating, representing total social and occupational impairment.
- Remanded (sent back)
The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Veteran's current diagnoses include depressive disorder not otherwise specified and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression, which may be related to service.
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