The Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder and other specified trauma and stressor related disorder is granted an initial 70 percent rating, effective from September 28, 2016. The rating reflects occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms of irritable behavior, angry outbursts, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, suicidal ideation, near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriate impulse control issues, neglect of personal appearance and hygiene, difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, and inability to establish effective relationships have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
- Claimed conditions
- Unspecified Depressive Disorder, Other Specified Trauma and Stressor Related Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- October 5, 2023
- Citation
- 23055061
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 23055061.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD, OCD, GAD, and unspecified depressive disorder are rated at 70 percent disabling. The appeal for increased ratings is denied.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not attributable to his active duty service.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected mental disorders are granted a disability rating of 70 percent, but no higher.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, unspecified depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder, and cocaine use disorder due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
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