The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 70 percent rating for unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder with PTSD and alcohol use disorder was denied as the medical evidence did not support a finding that his condition met the criteria for a 70 percent rating prior to June 14, 2022.
The deciding factor: The effective date of an increased disability rating is determined based on when it was factually ascertainable that the increase occurred. In this case, the increase in severity was not factually ascertainable until after the date of claim.
- Claimed conditions
- unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol use disorder
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- April 25, 2024
- Citation
- A24021123
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A24021123.
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
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The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
- Remanded (sent back)
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- Remanded (sent back)
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