The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his service-connected adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood was denied prior to January 29, 2018.,For the period from January 29, 2018, the Veteran's claim for an increased rating to 70 percent or higher was also denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran experienced symptoms severe enough to warrant a 70 percent rating prior to January 29, 2018. The Board found his symptoms more closely approximated those of a 50 percent disability rating.,For the period beginning January 29, 2018, the evidence showed that the Veteran's symptoms were severe enough to warrant a 70 percent disability rating, including near-continuous panic or depression affecting his ability to function independently and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living.
- Claimed conditions
- Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety and Depressed Mood
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 17, 2024
- Citation
- A24019182
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 A24019182.
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 Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, characterized as PTSD and alcohol use disorder, is now rated at 70 percent. The rating will be effective from the date of the April 2023 VA decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his service-connected psychiatric disability was granted, with an initial 50% rating prior to July 11, 2022, and a 70% rating beginning on that date. The case is remanded due to the need for further development regarding TDIU.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood, along with other service-connected disabilities, has rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. Effective January 28, 2020, the Veteran is granted a TDIU based on these conditions. Additionally, effective January 28, 2020, he is also granted SMC at the housebound rate due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood is rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that this rating is not appropriate as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
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.