The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for depressive neurosis, finding that his symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent prior to February 28, 2018, and in excess of 50 percent thereafter.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms were more consistent with a 30 percent rating (occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity) prior to February 28, 2018, and a 50 percent rating (occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas) from February 28, 2018 forward.
- Claimed conditions
- Depressive Neurosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 20, 2023
- Citation
- 23051939
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 23051939.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection, TDIU, and DEA benefits due to the Veteran's psychiatric disability. The effective date of service connection was set at August 6, 2008.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at the highest possible level (100%) for the entire appeal period, from November 24, 1981 to June 15, 2003.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD and depressive neurosis are already service-connected, but his skull fracture and scarring from a gunshot wound are not rated higher than the current 10 percent. The skull fracture does not meet criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 5296, while the scarring is evaluated at 10 percent based on one characteristic of disfigurement.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a new VA examination and ensuring that all pertinent medical records are associated with the claims file.
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