The Veteran's claims for an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for service-connected adjustment disorder and a higher evaluation for his low back disorder were denied. The Veteran's adjustment disorder is rated at 70 percent disabling, while his low back disorder remains at 40 percent.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for adjustment disorder or 40 percent for low back disorder.
- Claimed conditions
- adjustment disorder, mixed anxiety and depression, thoracolumbar strain (low back disorder)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- January 25, 2019
- Citation
- 19106324
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to ensure a proper examination and etiology opinion are provided.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for adjustment disorder, finding it was related to fear for his life while flying combat missions during Operation Desert Shield/Storm.
- Partly granted
The Board granted earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for adjustment disorder, bilateral pes planus, right knee limitation of extension, and left knee limitation of extension. The Board also granted service connection for a back condition as secondary to service-connected bilateral pes planus.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for migraines was granted, effective July 1, 2022. The claims for service connection for various conditions were either denied or remanded.
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