The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder is denied. A 20 percent rating, but no higher, has been granted for lumbar strain.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not support the need for a rating in excess of 30 percent due to the Veteran's symptoms being consistent with a 30 percent rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.
- Claimed conditions
- Unspecified Trauma and Stressor Related Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 10, 2023
- Citation
- A23027909
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 A23027909.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service stressors and the nature of his acquired psychiatric disorders. The Veteran is requested to undergo a VA examination to determine the current nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for PTSD and granted a 70 percent disability rating for unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder and major depressive disorder. The TDIU was granted.,The appellant did not meet the criteria for service connection as she does not have a diagnosis of PTSD.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and unspecified anxiety/depressive disorders, are found to be related to his service in Iraq during the Gulf War.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for GAD, depression, and PTSD due to insufficient evidence in the C&P opinions regarding whether these conditions are related to service. The AOJ is instructed to obtain an addendum opinion from a clinician that considers the Veteran's reported alcohol use during service.
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