The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection was denied. The rating for PTSD with MDD and psychotic features remains at 100 percent, the maximum allowed under VA regulations. The IBS rating is also denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. Service connection for radiculopathy of the RUE and back disability were both denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's PTSD with MDD and psychotic features already received the maximum schedular rating, so no further increase was warranted. The IBS symptoms did not meet criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations. There was insufficient medical evidence to link radiculopathy of the RUE or back disability to service.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Radiculopathy of the Right Upper Extremity (RUE), Back Disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- February 10, 2026
- Citation
- A26012094
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 A26012094.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since March 23, 2004. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted prior to February 15, 2005 due to the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his social and occupational functioning.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and any acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current mental health conditions and his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70% disability rating. The Veteran also met the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
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