The Veteran's initial rating for somatic symptom and depressive disorder remains at 30 percent, with the case being remanded due to issues related to his service connection claim.
The deciding factor: The symptoms of depression and anxiety do not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they are consistent with the current 30 percent rating based on occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.
- Claimed conditions
- somatic symptom and depressive disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- February 18, 2021
- Citation
- 21009083
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 21009083.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Denied
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- Denied
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- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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