The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including dysthymic disorder and PTSD, has caused occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency due to symptoms such as depressed mood, chronic sleep impairment, mild memory loss, anxiety, and strained relationships. The Board found the severity of these symptoms more closely approximated a 30 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's unlisted symptoms were found to be less severe, frequent, and shorter in duration than those contemplated by a 50 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- dysthymic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- October 20, 2020
- Citation
- A20015781
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 appeal for a temporary total evaluation because of hospital treatment in excess of 21 days for service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder was withdrawn by the Veteran's representative and is therefore dismissed.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected dysthymic disorder, anxiety disorder, borderline intellectual functioning, and dyslexia have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
- Granted
The Board granted an increased (Level 2) stipend in the PCAFC for the Veteran's caregiver due to the need for continuous supervision and protection based on the Veteran's medical conditions.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status due to her service-connected disabilities not meeting the criteria.
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