The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for the Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder and adjustment disorder unspecified, finding that the severity, frequency, and duration of his symptoms did not more closely approximate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's associated symptoms did not cause the level of impairment required for a disability rating of 70 percent or higher; they more closely approximated the symptoms associated with a 50 percent rating, resulting in a level of impairment that most closely approximated the level of impairment associated with a 50 percent rating.

Claimed conditions

major depressive disorder, adjustment disorder unspecified

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

50%

Decision date

October 9, 2025

Citation

A25087821

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