The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for persistent depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder and denied an effective date prior to December 2, 2016, for service connection for the same condition. The appeal for individual unemployability (TDIU) was dismissed as moot.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or an earlier effective date due to the lack of evidence showing total social and occupational impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- persistent depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 13, 2025
- Citation
- A25043016
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as persistent depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder, due to exposure to water contaminants during service at Camp Lejeune on a direct basis.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected persistent depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder has rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and he is entitled to TDIU and special monthly compensation from May 28, 2021.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder symptoms warrant a 50 percent disability rating, but no higher, from May 18, 2020.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
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