The Veteran's interstitial lung disease was rated at 30 percent prior to July 27, 2009 and denied a higher rating. From July 27, 2009 to March 27, 2018, the Veteran received a non-compensable rating for his interstitial lung disease. The Board found that from March 28, 2018 to September 24, 2019, he was entitled to a 30 percent rating. From September 25, 2019 onward, the Veteran received a 60 percent rating for his interstitial lung disease.,The initial compensable rating of 10 percent for chronic adjustment disorder prior to July 8, 2019 and 30 percent thereafter was granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran's FVC or DLCO met the criteria for a higher rating during the periods in question. The Board found that his symptoms were inconsistent with the required diagnostic criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's symptoms of nightmares, irritability, loss of enjoyment, anger, social isolation, and difficulty establishing effective social relationships supported the grant of an initial 10 percent rating for chronic adjustment disorder prior to July 8, 2019. The evidence did not show that his disability warranted a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Interstitial Lung Disease, Chronic Adjustment Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 28, 2021
- Citation
- 21076834
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 21076834.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's erectile dysfunction (ED) as secondary to his service-connected chronic adjustment disorder, finding that the evidence supports this conclusion.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for interstitial lung disease is remanded and requires further examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange herbicides during service and the relationship between his interstitial lung disease and his military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that there was a duty to assist error and has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining missing records and providing an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorder.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.