The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was denied. The Board found that the severity of his PTSD did not rise to the level required for a higher rating, with symptoms adequately addressed by the current 70 percent rating. For TDIU, the Veteran met the schedular criteria and was granted entitlement due to his inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The severity of the Veteran's PTSD did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as defined by the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders (Diagnostic Code 9411). The evidence showed that while he experienced significant symptoms, they were within the range addressed by the current 70 percent rating. For TDIU, the combined rating of his service-connected conditions met the schedular criteria and was granted due to his inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Residuals of left hip total arthroplasty, Migraines, Tinnitus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- April 14, 2026
- Citation
- A26034221
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 A26034221.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and dismissed his appeals regarding increased ratings for tinnitus and a right hand disability due to lack of timely filing of Notice of Disagreement.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including GAD, MDD, bruxism, migraines/headaches, tinnitus, hip pain, iliotibial band syndrome, and leg stress fractures. The evidence does not support current diagnoses of these conditions during the appeal period.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to December 27, 2019 for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no earlier claim document in the claims file and the Veteran did not timely perfect an appeal.
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.