The veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder and duodenal ulcer with pylorospasm and irritable bowel syndrome are currently rated at the maximum allowable under VA rating criteria. The Board has determined that these conditions do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation, thus denying his claims for increased ratings. Additionally, the evidence does not support an award of TDIU as his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from engaging in any form of substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.
The deciding factor: The veteran's anxiety disorder is currently rated at 30 percent under Diagnostic Code 9400, which requires a GAF score between 51-60 for a 30% evaluation. The evidence does not support an increase in rating as the examiner noted that the veteran exhibited mild to moderate symptoms associated with his post-traumatic stress disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, but did not meet criteria for a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 9400. For duodenal ulcer with pylorospasm and irritable bowel syndrome, the evidence does not support an increase in rating as there is no indication of recurrent incapacitating episodes averaging 10 days or more in duration at least four times per year, which would warrant a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7319. The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for TDIU as they do not preclude him from engaging in any form of substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Anxiety Disorder, Duodenal Ulcer with Pylorospasm and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- November 18, 2005
- Citation
- 0531204
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 0531204.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial ratings for anxiety disorder and TBI were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Denied
The Board denied eligibility to attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in a March 2024 rating decision because the March 2024 rating decision was an initial decision granting service connection for anxiety disorder.
- Granted
The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, and service connection for IBS as secondary to anxiety disorder is granted. Service connection for non-Hodgkin lymphoma is denied due to lack of presumptive basis. Service connection for CHF with bradycardia and pacemaker as secondary to hypertension is granted.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected major depression and anxiety disorder are considered part of his service-connected peripheral neuropathy, which already qualifies him for SMC(l). Therefore, he is not eligible for a higher rate of SMC.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.