Claim decision question
I’m helping a friend with their va claims process and ran into issue/confusion. We submitted an initial claim for mental health and the claim was denied due to not having a diagnoses. No C&p exam was requested either. We noticed that the psych evaluation ppwk we submitted was overlooked. So we submitted a supplemental claim pointing it out and a C&p was then requested. The decision was a bit confusing so hopefully some va reps in this community can clarify what happened here. January 21 was my ITF date.The decision letter states:
Service connection for major depressive disorder is granted with an evaluation of 70 percent effective January 21, 2026. An evaluation of 50 percent is assigned from April 27, 2026.
An evaluation of 70 percent is assigned from January 21, 2026.
Please note that although your private examination gave symptoms supportive of a 100 percent evaluation, the symptoms and severity cited below are not supported by the evidence of record. There are no private treatment nor federal treatment records identified or submitted to support
the severity and it is contracted by additional evidence of record. (38 CFR 3.102, 38 CFR 3.303, 38 CFR 4.3, 38 CFR 4.6
An evaluation of 50 percent is assigned from April 27, 2026, the date of the exam showing a lower evaluation is warranted. (38 CFR 3.400)
Combined Rating Evaluation
Effective Date
10%
May 27, 2024
10%
Jun 12, 2025
30%
Jun 15, 2025
30%
Jan 15, 2026
80%
Jan 21, 2026
60%
Apr 27, 2026