The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression was granted a 30% rating, but not higher. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a lumbar spine disability.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed symptoms consistent with an initial 30% rating for the period prior to June 3, 2015, and no more than mild-to-moderate impairment at any time during the appeal period. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety and Depressed Mood, Lumbar Spine Disability
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 30, 2020
- Citation
- 20070539
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.
- Denied
The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not more nearly approximate total occupational and social impairment.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability, both before and after November 8, 2024.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the case for further development, specifically to address the Veteran's capacity to engage in conversation due to his service-connected hearing loss.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, MDD, and adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood due to an inadequate VA examination.
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.