The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied, and the Board found that his symptoms did not more closely approximate the criteria for a higher disability rating. The issue of entitlement to TDIU was also addressed, but as it is part of the increased rating claim, the decision remains on appeal.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's PTSD symptoms were evaluated against the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders and found to be consistent with a 50% disability rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board determined that his symptoms did not more closely approximate the criteria for higher ratings, including those for 70% or 100%. As part of the increased rating claim, the TDIU issue remains on appeal.
- Claimed conditions
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- January 30, 2026
- Citation
- 26001399
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 26001399.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to December 27, 2019 for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no earlier claim document in the claims file and the Veteran did not timely perfect an appeal.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is granted as a result of military sexual trauma (MST) that occurred during service. The Board found the Veteran's testimony and supporting evidence credible, including her VA and private treatment records.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for TDIU is granted with an effective date of August 17, 2022. The decision also denies the Veteran's request for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) due to lack of need for aid and attendance or being housebound.
- Granted
The Board has granted eligibility to attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in the October 2024 rating decision for an increased PTSD rating and denied TDIU.
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