The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his acquired psychiatric disorder did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent, his neck condition did not warrant an initial rating in excess of 20 percent, and his restless leg syndrome was not related to service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms were found to be more closely approximated by the illustrative symptoms listed in the rating criteria for a 70 percent rating or below, and there was no evidence of total occupational and social impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- Acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder), Neck condition (degenerative disc disease), Restless leg syndrome in the left leg, Restless leg syndrome in the right leg
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 20, 2025
- Citation
- A25045371
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.
- Dismissed
The claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for major depressive disorder is dismissed as moot because the earliest effective date was granted during the pendency of this appeal.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, hypertension, and various musculoskeletal and skin disabilities.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for right and left hip degenerative arthritis as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right ankle and knee conditions, and major depressive disorder as secondary to his service-connected knee and ankle conditions. The Board also granted a 10 percent rating for allergic rhinitis.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for major depressive disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected tinnitus.
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