The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for unspecified anxiety disorder and unspecified depressive disorder has been denied. The current disability rating is based on the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders, with symptoms resulting in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's psychiatric symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating as they are consistent with a 50 percent rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.
- Claimed conditions
- Unspecified anxiety disorder, Unspecified depressive disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- March 3, 2026
- Citation
- A26019113
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 A26019113.
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 PTSD, insomnia/sleep disorder, and unspecified anxiety disorder (also claimed as anxiety, depression, and panic disorder) due to the Veteran's in-service stressful events.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher level of SMC was denied as the Board found that he is already in receipt of SMC at the (l) rate based on need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease with congestive heart failure. A second award of SMC at the (l) rate based on need for regular aid and attendance was not warranted.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder with unspecified anxiety disorder and alcohol use disorder has rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, which the Board finds meets the criteria for a TDIU.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and opinion regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's claim is also being considered for secondary service connection of his psychiatric disorder to a service-connected left knee disability.
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