The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the 70 percent rating for his service-connected psychiatric disability, finding that May 9, 2022, was the earliest date as of which it was factually ascertainable based on all evidence of record that an increase in disability had occurred.
The deciding factor: The Board concluded that only one complete claim for a benefit may be associated with each intent to file, and here the December 19, 2021, intent to file attached to the Veteran's new Gulf War-based service connection claims (which cannot be read to include an increased rating claim for already service-connected psychiatric disability).
- Claimed conditions
- Psychiatric disability, Irritable bowel syndrome, Chronic bronchitis, Headaches
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 10, 2025
- Citation
- A25106758
Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine
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.