The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his service-connected Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety and Depressed Mood was denied. The Board found that the severity, frequency, and duration of his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The issue of TDIU is remanded due to insufficient evidence showing he is unemployable.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's psychiatric disability resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity but did not meet the severity required for a 100% rating, as his symptoms were less severe than those contemplated by such a rating. The Board found that while the Veteran was isolated and irritable, he had some social interactions and could be cooperative during examinations.
- Claimed conditions
- Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety and Depressed Mood
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- November 20, 2024
- Citation
- A24076494
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 A24076494.
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 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.
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