BVA Case 23033733: Psychiatric
BVAReal Board of Veterans' Appeals decision · June 13, 2023 · Vito A. Clementi
Conditions Claimed
PsychiatricBackCervicalKneeHipEyeArthritisRadiculopathy
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
PsychiatricBackCervicalKneeHipEyeArthritisRadiculopathy
Why It Was Decided This Way
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.
When there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding any issue material to the determination of a matter, the VA shall give the benefit of the doubt to the claimant.
The examiner concluded that a nexus between service and development of the cervical spine disability had not been established because the timeframe for the development of the disability was too far removed to state the disability was due to service.
The examiner concluded that a nexus between service and development of the right and left hip disabilities had not been established because the timeframe for the development of the disabilities was too far removed to state the disabilities were due to service.
The examiner concluded that a nexus between service and development of the lumbar spine disability had not been established because the timeframe for the development of the disability was too far removed to state the disability was due to service.
Although the Veteran has cervical spine, right hip, left hip, and lumbar spine disabilities, the evidence is against a finding of a "nexus," or linkage, between the disabilities and his military service.
, a nexus between service and the cervical spine, right hip, left hip, and lumbar spine disabilities was not established.
The more probative opinions conclude that the development of the disabilities was too far removed from service to establish a nexus between service and the cervical spine, right hip, left hip, and lumbar spine disabilities.
Authorities Cited
Regulations Cited (38 CFR / 38 USC)
Denial Type
No Nexus
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