The Veteran's initial rating for major depressive disorder was denied with a 70% rating from July 8, 2011 to March 7, 2012 and a 50% rating thereafter.,For the period from July 8, 2011 to March 7, 2012, the Veteran's major depressive disorder did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms were not severe enough to warrant a 70% rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s major depressive disorder was rated under Diagnostic Code 9434 and required occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The evidence showed that while the Veteran experienced psychiatric symptoms, they did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms were not severe enough to warrant a 100% rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Major Depressive Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- December 13, 2019
- Citation
- 19193808
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 19193808.
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 Veteran was granted a disability rating of 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder, effective October 24, 2017. The Board also granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability due to the need for a more comprehensive medical examination and opinion.
- Denied
The Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder prior to September 10, 2022, and in excess of 70 percent thereafter.
- Denied
The Board denied earlier effective dates for the award of a 100 percent rating for PTSD and major depressive disorder, an earlier effective date for TDIU due to service-connected conditions, and a compensable rating for hypertension. The claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and coronary artery disease were remanded.
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