The veteran's claims for increased ratings for alopecia areata and anxiety disorder were denied by the RO. The VA examinations indicated that the veteran has alopecia areata affecting approximately 1.5% of his scalp, with no systemic symptoms or need for systemic therapy. His anxiety disorder is characterized by moderate to severe depressive and anxious symptoms, but does not meet criteria for occupational and social impairment.
The deciding factor: The veteran's conditions do not warrant a higher rating as they are currently evaluated at the lowest possible level (10% for alopecia areata and 50% for anxiety disorder).
- Claimed conditions
- Alopecia Areata, Anxiety Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 15, 2004
- Citation
- 0428422
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0428422.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
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