The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD and alcohol abuse disorder (claimed as depression) due to a final denial in June 2014, which was not appealed. The Veteran's claim reopened after this decision is based on direct evidence of service connection.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the June 2014 rating decision denying service connection for PTSD and alcohol abuse disorder (claimed as depression) was final due to lack of appeal within one year, and no new and material evidence received. The Veteran's claim reopened in February 2014 did not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date.
- Claimed conditions
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Alcohol Abuse Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 3, 2019
- Citation
- 19176716
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 service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability due to the need for a more comprehensive medical examination and opinion.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, as it needs a medical opinion addressing the nature and etiology of the condition prior to October 16, 2023.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Partly granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another since September 30, 2020.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.