The Veteran's depressive disorder with anxiety is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s symptoms are primarily characterized by depressed mood and anxiety, which are contemplated in the current 50% disability rating. The evidence does not show total occupational and social impairment required for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Depressive Disorder with Anxiety
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- November 18, 2019
- Citation
- 19186611
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.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed all claims for earlier effective dates and increased disability ratings, as the appellant withdrew his appeals.
- Granted
The Veteran's depressive disorder with anxiety is rated at 70 percent since February 21, 2018. Prior to this date, the rating was denied.
- Denied
The Veteran's depressive disorder with anxiety is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of his death. The other conditions are not service-connected.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
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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.