The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating and TDIU based on his service-connected persistent depressive disorder with unspecified social phobia was denied. The Board found that the severity, frequency, and duration of his symptoms did not more closely approximate occupational and social impairment warranting a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the Veteran's symptoms were consistent with a 50 percent disability rating but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating (70 percent) due to lack of specific symptoms such as suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals, or near-continuous panic or depression affecting ability to function.
- Claimed conditions
- persistent depressive disorder, unspecified social phobia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- October 5, 2020
- Citation
- A20015215
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 service connection for generalized anxiety disorder with panic attacks and persistent depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's mental health difficulties began during active service.
- Dismissed
The appeals for service connection for tinnitus, persistent depressive disorder as secondary to tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss are dismissed due to mootness.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a supplemental medical opinion regarding the severity of the Veteran's knee and ankle disabilities without medication, as well as an opinion on the etiology of his psychiatric conditions.
- Denied
The Board denied increased ratings for fibromyalgia, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis, and denied a 100 percent rating for persistent depressive disorder. The claims for service connection were remanded.
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