The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress is rated at 50 percent disabling, but the evidence does not support a higher rating as it does not demonstrate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that while the Veteran experiences symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, he maintains independence in his activities of daily living, has maintained relationships with family members, and has been able to work part-time. These factors do not meet the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- January 19, 2022
- Citation
- 22002597
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 22002597.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress and service connection for ulcerative colitis are being remanded due to the failure to obtain relevant medical records.
- Granted
The Veteran's appeal is granted for an effective date of September 27, 2021, but the claim for a higher initial rating remains denied.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted a higher level of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance at the rate provided by 38 U.S.C. 1114(r)(1), due to his service-connected stable angina, persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress, and Alzheimer's disease associated with diabetes mellitus type II.
- Granted
An effective date of October 11, 2023, and no earlier, for an increased 30 percent disability rating for service-connected migraine headaches is granted.,An effective date prior to October 11, 2023, for the award of service connection for persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress is denied.
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