The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for his service-connected Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show symptoms sufficient to warrant a higher rating, such as suicidal or homicidal ideation, obsessional rituals, intermittent illogical speech, near continuous panic, impaired impulse control, spatial disorientation, neglect of personal appearance, or an inability to establish and maintain effective relationships. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also denied due to the lack of evidence showing he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of his service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders, and there was no evidence indicating that he could not maintain effective work and social relationships due to his MDD.
- Claimed conditions
- Major Depressive Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- September 22, 2020
- Citation
- 20062389
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 20062389.
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's major depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected low back and radiculopathy disabilities, which prevent him from doing enjoyable activities and daily living tasks.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a 70 percent disability rating for his psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with MDD and anxiety, has been granted. However, the issue of entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is remanded due to procedural issues.
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