The Veteran's service connection for a substance abuse disorder and PTSD is denied. The rating for PTSD remains at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for an increased rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran’s substance abuse or PTSD was caused by his service-connected conditions or aggravated beyond its natural progression.
- Claimed conditions
- Substance Abuse Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 18, 2019
- Citation
- 19147305
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to an unclear employment history and a pre-decisional duty to assist error.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of July 12, 2022, for a 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for specially adapted housing was denied as he does not meet the criteria due to his ability to independently ambulate with the use of braces.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeal, and the Board has no jurisdiction to review the appeal.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.