The Veteran's adjustment disorder with depressed mood is granted a 50 percent disability rating, but not higher.,The Veteran’s bilateral diabetic retinopathy, preoperative cataracts, and glaucoma are remanded for further evaluation as the evidence suggests worsening of his condition since the last VA examination in April 2016.,The Veteran's need for a higher level of SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is also remanded.
The deciding factor: The adjustment disorder with depressed mood causes occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.,VA medical records indicate that the Veteran's bilateral eye condition has worsened since his last examination in April 2016. The Board finds this evidence sufficient to remand for a new evaluation as it may affect the determination of the appropriate SMC level.,The need for higher level of aid and attendance is also raised by the Veteran, which requires further review.
- Claimed conditions
- Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood, Bilateral Diabetic Retinopathy, Preoperative Cataracts, and Glaucoma
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 12, 2020
- Citation
- 20032906
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 20032906.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood, is granted effective August 21, 2019. A rating of 70 percent for the acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his psychiatric disability is granted, and he is now rated at 70 percent. He also received a TDIU based solely on his service-connected psychiatric disability, and SMC at the housebound rate is granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, requiring VA to obtain medical examinations and opinions regarding his psychiatric disorders, prostate condition, and erectile dysfunction.
- Granted
The Veteran's adjustment disorder with depressed mood has been granted a 70 percent evaluation effective August 8, 2016. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is remanded.
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