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 assigned
- None in this 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A26015444.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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