The Veteran's initial rating for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression was increased from 30% to 50%, but he is now seeking a higher initial rating. The Board denied his request, finding that the severity of his symptoms did not warrant an increase beyond 50%. He previously appealed this decision to the Court, which granted a JMPR vacating part of it.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression was manifested by depressive mood, anxiety, chronic sleep impairment, disturbances of motivation and mood, and difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances. These symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they were consistent with a 50% disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- January 23, 2026
- Citation
- A26006584
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 A26006584.
What this means for you
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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 adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, along with alcohol use disorder, has been granted a 100% evaluation effective from April 8, 2021. The disability causes total occupational and social impairment.
- Granted
The Board has restored the 10 percent disability rating for an adjustment disorder and the 20 percent disability rating for a back condition, effective June 1, 2025. The Veteran's claims of increased ratings are remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood is rated at 70 percent from October 31, 2023. Service connection for IBS and obstructive sleep apnea are granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for tinnitus, adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, OSA, and a low back disability must be remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.
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