The Veteran's obsessive-compulsive disorder with alcohol dependence is rated at 30 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms do not more closely approximate occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.
The deciding factor: The severity, frequency, and duration of the Veteran’s symptoms did not more closely approximate the level of impairment required for a disability rating of 50 percent or higher.
- Claimed conditions
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder, Alcohol dependence
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- October 13, 2020
- Citation
- 20066295
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 an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with associated depression, major depressive disorder, polysubstance dependence, cocaine dependence, alcohol dependence, and a history of heroine dependence.
- Partly granted
The Veteran was granted a total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability (TDIU) prior to November 30, 2021, and basic eligibility for Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits effective October 26, 2020. The increased disability rating claim was denied.
- Granted
The Board granted an earlier effective date of November 27, 2013, for the grant of service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder with major depressive disorder, anxiety, and alcohol dependence due to new and relevant evidence.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, finding that personality disorders are considered congenital or developmental defects and not subject to service connection.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.