The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 50 percent prior to July 24, 2014, and in excess of 70 percent on and after July 24, 2014, for service-connected depressive disorder was denied. The Board found that the severity, frequency, and duration of the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's appeal for a 100 percent rating due to persistent suicidal ideation, near-continuous panic or depression affecting his ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively, and difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances was also denied. The Board found that these symptoms were more consistent with a 70 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The severity, frequency, and duration of the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher ratings as they were less severe than those required for a 100 percent or 70 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Depressive Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 15, 2020
- Citation
- 20047321
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 20047321.
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 Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed as the claim was granted and effective from February 22, 2023.
- Granted
The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, specifically depressive disorder, is rated at 70 percent effective from August 3, 2021. The claim for a higher rating remains denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected Depressive Disorder is causing him to require regular assistance in keeping himself clean and presentable, which may qualify him for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance. The case is being remanded to schedule a VA examination to assess this issue.
- Granted
The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of service connection (January 23, 2020), due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
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