The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder (PTSD with alcohol use disorder) is denied for a total disability rating as the frequency, severity, and duration of her symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not demonstrate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to PTSD symptoms that would warrant a higher 100% rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with Alcohol Use Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- April 3, 2026
- Citation
- A26030595
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 A26030595.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD with alcohol use disorder, and denied increased ratings for PTSD with alcohol use disorder and right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder has been granted a rating of 70 percent, effective from the date of the May 2020 decision on appeal.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for his diabetes mellitus, a higher rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder, and a total disability rating due to service-connected disabilities.
- Granted
The Veteran was granted an initial disability evaluation of 70 percent for PTSD with alcohol use disorder and a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU).
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.