BVA Case 24026705: PTSD
BVAReal Board of Veterans' Appeals decision · July 17, 2024 · GAYLE STROMMEN
Conditions Claimed
PTSDBackKneeTinnitusHipAnkleHeadacheGIArthritis
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
PTSDBackKneeTinnitusHipAnkleHeadacheGI
Why It Was Decided This Way
Service Connection Generally, in order to prove service connection, there must be competent, credible evidence of (1) a current disability, (2) in-service incurrence or aggravation of an injury or disease, and (3) a nexus, or link, between the current disability and the in-service disease or injury.
Whenever there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding any issue material to the determination of a matter, VA shall give the benefit of the doubt to the Veteran.
Thus, the remaining question before the Board is whether a nexus exist between his current diagnosis and his back injury in service.
The record includes an April 2014 VA medical opinion in which the examiner found that the Veteran's back disability is less likely than not related to service.
In March 2024, VA obtained another medical opinion in which the examiner found that the Veteran's back disability was not related to service.
The examiner concluded that it is less likely than not there is a chronic back condition due to the acute back complaints while in service; therefore, a nexus cannot be established.
Moreover, the examiner found that the Veteran's back disability was not related to service due to the lack of continuity of care; however, it is not only the continuity of treatment that is relevant, but also the continuity of symptoms regardless of treatment.
Since the examiner did not consider these earlier complaints of pain and diagnosis, the Board finds that the opinion is inadequate and offers low probative value.
Authorities Cited
Regulations Cited (38 CFR / 38 USC)
Denial Type
No Nexus|Inadequate Exam
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