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 assigned
- 70%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A26033556.
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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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