CAVC Case 12-1427: PTSD
CAVCReal U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) decision · 2012-03-29 · PIETSCH, Judge
This is a decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims — the federal court that reviews Board of Veterans' Appeals decisions, one level above the Board. Court decisions can vacate, reverse, or affirm what the Board did.
Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.
Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.
2026 base rates, all ratings (veteran alone)
| Rating | Monthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
Conditions Claimed
PTSDPsychiatricBackCervicalHeadacheArthritisRadiculopathy
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Issues on Appeal
Back ConditionService ConnectionPTSD
Why It Was Decided This Way
examination and opinion as to whether the appellant's back condition is related to service (medical nexus opinion).
In September 2008,VA provided the appellant with an examination and medical nexus opinion with respect to his back condition.
In February 2011,the Board remanded the appellant�s claim with instructions that VA obtain a further medical nexus opinion.
The Board explained that the September 2008 opinion only addressed a cervical spine disorder and did not address evidence of degenerative changes of the lumbosacral spine.
In May 2011,the appellant was provided with a further VA examination and medical nexus opinion.
The Board found that the appellant incurred a back injury in service and had a current back condition,but that the evidence did not sufficiently establish a causal nexus.
The Board relied heavily on the two negative VA nexus opinions,finding them to be the most probative evidence of record.
With respect to the appellant's lay statements regarding his back symptoms following service,the Board found them to be less credible than the negative contemporaneous records.
Authorities Cited
Denial Type
Credibility|No Nexus|Inadequate Exam
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