The veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder with depressive features was found to have primarily manifested by subjective complaints of anxiousness and a depressed mood, without significant occupational or social impairment prior to March 6, 2000. For the period commencing March 6, 2000, the disability continued to be characterized by such symptoms as suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals, near-continuous panic or depression affecting ability to function independently, and unprovoked irritability with periods of violence.
The deciding factor: The veteran's psychiatric condition did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation due to the severity of his symptoms which were consistent with the current rating schedule prior to March 6, 2000. After that date, while he experienced more severe symptoms including suicidal ideation and periods of violence, these were still within the scope of the existing ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder with Depressive Features
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 13, 2006
- Citation
- 0607212
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
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- Remanded (sent back)
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