The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, to include depression and PTSD, was denied for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent prior to April 12, 2018, but granted a 50 percent rating from that date. The appeal is remanded for further consideration.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's psychiatric disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 9434 due to occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, which was consistent with a 30 percent rating. From April 12, 2018, the Veteran's disability picture did not warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- February 15, 2024
- Citation
- 24007914
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 24007914.
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 Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and PTSD due to additional development of records and examination.
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