The Veteran's claim for increased evaluations for his service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood and alcohol use disorder was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent from July 14, 2024 to March 14, 2025 or a rating in excess of 70 percent from March 14, 2025.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation as his disability was evaluated under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders (DC 9440), which does not allow for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood, Alcohol Use Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 10, 2026
- Citation
- A26033556
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A26033556.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity in Vietnam, and his alcohol use disorder is due to his PTSD. Service connection for PTSD with alcohol use disorder has been granted.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions in the current file, and thus the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability will be reconsidered with new evidence.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder was denied, and he was granted a TDIU. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet criteria for a 100% disability rating.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of 70 percent for service-connected Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood is granted. The remaining issues are remanded for further evaluation.
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