The Veteran's mental health disability was rated at 30 percent prior to May 23, 2016, and denied a higher rating. From May 24, 2016 to May 1, 2018, the Veteran was rated at 70 percent, also denied. After that date, she was rated at 50 percent, again denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it failed to demonstrate occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity or deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms such as flattened affect, panic attacks more than once a week, difficulty understanding complex commands, impaired judgment, disturbances of motivation and mood, or inability to establish effective relationships.
- Claimed conditions
- Acquired psychiatric disorder, to include bipolar disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- February 7, 2023
- Citation
- 23007812
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 23007812.
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.
- Partly granted
The appeal regarding service connection for headaches was dismissed as moot, while the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include bipolar disorder, was granted and remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as a temporary total evaluation based on hospitalization, to obtain additional evidence.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals of TDIU, a rating higher than 70 percent for an acquired psychiatric disorder from April 6, 2011 to April 8, 2021, and effective dates prior to April 9, 2021 for the assignment of a 100 percent rating for an acquired psychiatric disorder and Basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) have been withdrawn. The appeal of TDIU has been dismissed due to procedural issues.
- Granted
The Board has granted an increased rating for the Veteran's cervical spine disability to 20 percent effective June 28, 2013.
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