The Veteran's claim for a higher rating and an earlier effective date for service connection of major depression disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, somatic symptom disorder, and avoidant personality disorder was denied. The Board found that the earliest effective date is February 25, 2020, as this is when the Veteran filed his intent to file a claim.
The deciding factor: The effective date of an award based on an increased-rating claim shall be fixed in accordance with the facts found, but it shall not be earlier than the date of receipt of the application for the increase. The Veteran's claim was received on February 25, 2020, when he filed his intent to file a claim.
- Claimed conditions
- major depression disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, somatic symptom disorder, avoidant personality disorder
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- April 1, 2026
- Citation
- A26029463
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 A26029463.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew their appeals for the claims of service connection for insomnia disorder with generalized anxiety disorder, pes planus, calcaneonavicular coalition bilateral feet secondary to right ankle sprain, and pes planus, calcaneonavicular coalition bilateral feet secondary to left ankle pain.
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