BVA Case 221110-294734: Psychiatric
BVAReal Board of Veterans' Appeals decision · December 20, 2024 · R. Bisignani
Conditions Claimed
PsychiatricBackKneeShoulderHipAnkleHeadacheHeartGIEye
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 |
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Issues on Appeal
PsychiatricBackKneeShoulderHipAnkleHeadacheHeart
Why It Was Decided This Way
The Board must assess the credibility and weight of all the evidence, including the medical evidence, to determine its probative value, accounting for the evidence which it finds to be persuasive or unpersuasive, and providing reasons for rejecting any evidence favorable to the claimant.
When there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding any issue material to the determination of a matter, the Secretary shall give the benefit of the doubt to the claimant.
This opinion focuses mostly on the question of nexus and to the extent that it does, the Board notes that it is not relevant because service-connection for IBS is not at issue.
In reaching these conclusions, the Board has considered the applicability of the benefit of the doubt doctrine.
Establishing service connection generally requires (1) evidence of a current disability; (2) evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation of a disease or injury; and (3) evidence of a nexus between the claimed in-service disease or injury and the present disability.
With respect to nexus, the Veteran has been afforded three VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his hip condition.
The examiner addressed the Veteran's hip, ankle, and bilateral knee conditions together, opining that all are less likely than not related to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus.
The Board finds based on the evidence above that the weight of the probative evidence of record establishes nexus.
Authorities Cited
Regulations Cited (38 CFR / 38 USC)
Denial Type
Credibility|No Nexus|Inadequate Exam
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