The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his depressive disorder was denied as the evidence did not show that his condition warranted a rating in excess of 50 percent.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was also denied because there was no diagnosed PTSD and no credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s depressive disorder, which is rated under Diagnostic Code 9434 (General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders), did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms were consistent with a 50 percent disability rating.,There was no diagnosed PTSD in the record and there was insufficient evidence to establish an in-service stressor, which is required for service connection.
- Claimed conditions
- Depressive Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (NOS), Posttraumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 18, 2020
- Citation
- 20041783
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 20041783.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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: Partly granted
The Board granted a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due exclusively to service-connected PTSD, but denied an increased rating higher than 70 percent for PTSD.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board dismissed the claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 70 percent for depressive disorder NOS from January 21, 2014 as it was a purely ministerial implementation of the previous Board decision.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for PTSD is being remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error and conflicting medical evidence.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder NOS are currently rated as 50 percent disabling, but the Board has remanded for further development to determine if a higher rating is warranted.
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