The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder, IBS, and other conditions were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed significant occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, but did not demonstrate deficiencies in most areas of functioning as required for a 70% or 100% disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder with Alcohol Use Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 19, 2026
- Citation
- A26015444
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 A26015444.
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: Partly granted
The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD with alcohol use disorder is denied. The appeal for an initial evaluation for asthma is dismissed.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's effective date for a 70% rating for PTSD is set at March 15, 2023. This decision grants the earlier effective date based on his continuous pursuit of an increased rating and the fact that his service-connected PTSD warranted such a rating as of this date.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted an initial rating of 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder with alcohol use disorder and a temporary total evaluation as a result of hospitalization.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted a higher initial disability rating of 70 percent for the service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder with alcohol use disorder, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.