BVA Case 221114-297761: PTSD
BVAReal Board of Veterans' Appeals decision · March 13, 2025 · JIMMY L. BARDIN
Conditions Claimed
PTSDDepressionAnxietyBackCervicalKneeShoulderHipHeadacheTBI
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
PTSDDepressionAnxietyBackCervicalKneeShoulderHip
Why It Was Decided This Way
The question for the Board is whether the Veteran has a current disability that began during service or is at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.
Further, the October 2022 VA examiner opined that the Veteran's cervical strain is not at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury, event, or disease, including his in-service complaints of neck pain.
The rationale was that there is scant data supporting a nexus between the current diagnosis of cervical strain and military service and without chronicity during service or after service, a post-service event, illness, or injury is considered to be a more likely etiology.
He is not competent to provide a nexus opinion in this case.
The October 2022 VA examiner opined that the Veteran's lumbosacral strain is not at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury, event, or disease, including his in-service complaints of low back pain.
The rationale was that there is scant data supporting a nexus between the current diagnosis of lumbosacral strain and military service and without chronicity during service or after service, a post-service event, illness, or injury is considered to be a more likely etiology.
The issue of entitlement to service connection for TBI is remanded to correct a duty to assist error that occurred prior to the November 2022 rating decision on appeal.
This low threshold requires that the evidence "indicates" that there "may" be a causal nexus between the disability or persistent symptoms of a disability and military service.
Authorities Cited
Regulations Cited (38 CFR / 38 USC)
Denial Type
No Nexus|Duty To Assist
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