CAVC Case 24-2902: PTSD
CAVCReal U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) decision · 2025-07-21 · GREENBERG
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
PTSDDepressionAnxietyPsychiatricBackCervicalKneeShoulderAnkleHeadache
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Issues on Appeal
SMCBack ConditionService ConnectionEffective DateReopenIncreased RatingPTSD
Why It Was Decided This Way
In June 2016,the Board denied entitlement to a rating in excess of 30% for MS;granted a 30%rating for MS from March 9,2015; and granted entitlement to a 10% rating for left upper extremity disability from August 7,2013.
The RO declined to reopen the claim for a left shoulder condition because new and material evidence was not submitted.
In March 2022,the Board denied entitlement to an effective date earlier than September 21,2007,for service connection for left upper extremity disability associated with MS.
Nurse Kim opined that the in- service left shoulder condition was acute and a nexus was not established to service,because there was no evidence of chronicity of care and only subjective symptoms were noted.
The Board noted the appellant's argument that she was entitled to a 30% rating under DC 8018 and the recent Court decision in Duran v.
The Board found that the appellant did not have a current left shoulder diagnosis separate from the service- connected left upper extremity disability.
The Board concluded that records between 2014 and 2023 did not include evidence of left shoulder imaging showing chronic pathology involving the articulating joint,nor did they show a clear/conclusive/definitive separate left shoulder diagnosis.
The Board found that the June 2022 medical opinion did not include a left shoulder diagnosis, most likely due to the lack of evidence of abnormalities on testing .
Authorities Cited
Denial Type
No Nexus|Not New Material|Inadequate Exam
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