The Veteran's depression was granted a 50% rating prior to February 27, 2018. A higher rating is denied for the period beginning February 27, 2018. The Veteran's left arm disability remains at a 20% rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s depression was found to result in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to February 27, 2018, but not beginning that date. For the period beginning February 27, 2018, the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms were considered less severe.
- Claimed conditions
- Depressed Mood, Left Arm Limitation of Motion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 20, 2019
- Citation
- 19164316
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,316 · Granted: 43% (granted or partly granted, in the indexed decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 19164316.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's appeal of the issue regarding a total disability rating for individual unemployability prior to April 23, 2020 is dismissed. The Veteran's claim for a 50 percent rating for PTSD with chronic adjustment disorder and depressed mood from June 20, 2018 to January 8, 2020 is granted.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's competency is restored, he is granted special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance, and his rating for migraines is increased to 60 percent.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100 percent evaluation of PTSD with an effective date of July 26, 2017 has been granted. The appeal is dismissed as the issue is moot due to the grant of benefits.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depressed mood and tinnitus have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, as his disabilities prevent him from performing the physical and mental acts required by employment.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.