The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of 70 percent for PTSD with alcohol use disorder was granted, effective February 7, 2020. The Board found that the severity, frequency, and duration of the Veteran's symptoms closely approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
The deciding factor: The Veteran experienced significant impairment due to his PTSD disability, including suicidal ideation, depression, hypervigilance, and strained personal relationships.
- 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 13, 2026
- Citation
- A26033651
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 A26033651.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD with alcohol use disorder was denied as the evidence did not establish a new and material condition to reopen his original claim, and the service records were deemed insufficient to support a reopening of the case.
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder is granted a 70 percent rating from January 30, 2013 to March 3, 2020. A higher rating is denied for the period after March 4, 2020.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Board finds that an examination is needed to determine if the Veteran requires aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities alone.
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board has determined that he does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to his symptoms not meeting the requirements of a total occupational and social impairment.
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