The Veteran's depressive reaction was rated at a noncompensable level since March 12, 1968. The Board found that there was no factually ascertainable increase in severity of his condition within one year prior to the July 3, 2017 claim for an increased rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's depression screenings showed scores ranging from zero to two, indicating mild symptoms and not meeting criteria for a 10% rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The Board determined that there was no increase in severity within one year prior to his July 3, 2017 claim.
- Claimed conditions
- Depressive Reaction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 18, 2023
- Citation
- 23003055
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 23003055.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The appeal for an earlier effective date of November 10, 2005, for the grant of service connection for PTSD is dismissed. The appeal for SMC benefits based on housebound or need of aid and attendance is remanded.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the 100% rating for service-connected depressive reaction with PTSD is denied. The issue of entitlement to service connection for pancreatitis is remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD with Depressive Reaction and Depression is rated at 70 percent since October 1, 1980. The right lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 40 percent from August 30, 2011 to April 21, 2020, while the left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent during the same period.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection of depressive reaction, posttraumatic stress disorder, and pancreatitis are being remanded. The effective dates for the SMC ratings based on loss of use of both hands and need for aid and attendance have been denied.
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