The appeal for service connection for depression, rheumatoid arthritis of the left upper extremity, and rheumatoid arthritis of the right upper extremity was dismissed due to oral withdrawal by the Veteran. An initial rating of 50 percent for anxiety and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) were granted.
The deciding factor: The appeal was dismissed because the Veteran withdrew his appeals seeking service connection for depression, rheumatoid arthritis of the left upper extremity, and rheumatoid arthritis of the right upper extremity. The anxiety rating was granted due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.
- Claimed conditions
- Depression, Rheumatoid arthritis of the left upper extremity, Rheumatoid arthritis of the right upper extremity, Anxiety
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- May 12, 2025
- Citation
- A25042534
What this means for you
A dismissal means the Board did not decide the issue on its merits — usually because it was withdrawn or had become moot. It says more about procedure than about whether a claim like this can win.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple myeloma, back disability (secondary to multiple myeloma), and depression, with an effective date of January 26, 2021. The decision also remanded claims related to breast cancer, DEA benefits, and initial ratings.
- Denied
The veteran's bad conduct discharge precludes eligibility for VA benefits, including compensation and healthcare.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and personality disorder, due to the need for further development of the record.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the death of the Appellant during its pendency.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.