The Board denied service connection for PTSD and depression, and denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU). The Veteran's current psychiatric disorder is not related to his active duty service. His left wrist sprain does not meet the criteria for TDIU.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD and there was no credible supporting evidence that an in-service stressor occurred, leading to denial of service connection. The VA examiner found that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder is related to chronic pain from his hands and knees, which does not meet the criteria for TDIU.
- Claimed conditions
- Acquired psychiatric disorder (including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive disorder other than anxiety), Left wrist sprain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 4, 2026
- Citation
- A26010550
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 A26010550.
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: Denied
The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for various conditions, including PTSD, neck disability, low back disability, wrist sprains, and left foot dermatitis with dermatophytosis, was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings in any of these cases.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, right hip strain, lumbosacral strain, right knee meniscal tear, and left wrist sprain. The claim for service connection for cervical strain was remanded.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeal for increased ratings for left wrist sprain and bilateral hearing loss was dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for sinusitis and remanded the claims for left shoulder strain, left wrist sprain, overuse disorder of the left-hand ring finger, and right hand ring finger due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.
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