Service connection is granted for a left wrist disorder, skin condition, and PTSD with an initial rating of 70 percent from April 5, 2016.,The Veteran's substance abuse disorder was found to be aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.
The deciding factor: The March 2021 VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's substance abuse disorder is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD based on the Veteran's testimony and treatment records indicating an increase in substance use as a result of PTSD symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- left wrist disorder, skin condition, substance abuse disorder
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 17, 2023
- Citation
- 23045836
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 23045836.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: Granted
The Board has granted an effective date of June 8, 2022 for the award of service connection for a skin disability (dermatitis). This decision is based on the receipt of an intent to file dated June 8, 2022.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right and left wrist disorders due to a duty to assist error in failing to provide notice of a hearing.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left wrist disorder and its relationship to service, including his right hand fracture.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection of substance abuse disorder is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that his condition was caused by or related to active service.
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