The Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood resulted in occupational and social impairment, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating. The condition was consistently manifested by symptoms such as depressed mood, sleep impairment, disturbances of motivation and mood, past homicidal ideation, and impaired impulse control.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's psychiatric disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation due to the absence of certain severe symptoms required for a 70% or 100% rating.
- Claimed conditions
- adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- October 3, 2018
- Citation
- 18140388
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 18140388.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted earlier effective dates for TDIU and DEA, but denied increased ratings for various service-connected conditions.
- Denied
The Board denied an earlier effective date and a higher initial rating for the service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, finding that the earliest possible effective date had been assigned.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection and increased ratings due to a need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and updated VA treatment records.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right and left knee, ankle, and leg disabilities.
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