PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2026

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, other than his loss of use of right hand and foot, do not independently render him in need of regular aid and attendance. Therefore, SMC at the (l) rate is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current disability is related to a verified in-service stressor involving the sinking of a ferry while he was aboard another ship.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and psychiatric disorder (including PTSD with substance abuse) due to lack of evidence supporting these conditions during his active duty.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with MDD and anxiety disorder, is granted as service-connected due to the in-service domestic abuse by her former spouse.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of a 70 percent rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder is dismissed as moot. The appeal for TDIU and SMC based on having a single disability rated as total and additional service-connected disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent or more since May 2, 2020 is granted.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection, a higher rating for PTSD, and TDIU have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service stressor and a need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychological disorder, including PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with TBI residuals are granted a 70 percent rating effective January 17, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to August 15, 2022 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to August 15, 2022 was also denied. The Board determined that there was no evidence of occupational and social impairment due to PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from August 22, 2012 to February 28, 2014 and November 1, 2014 to February 27, 2017. The Board granted TDIU for these periods.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The claims for sleep apnea, ear pain, and cough/shortness of breath are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the Veteran's lay statements regarding symptom onset and course.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to December 1, 2021 was denied as the evidence did not show that he was unable to obtain and maintain employment solely due to one service-connected disability.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum rating available. The Board granted a 100 percent rating for CAD from October 21, 2013 to July 26, 2016. TDIU was granted effective August 31, 2011 and SMC at housebound rate was granted effective October 21, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD prior to February 16, 2024 is remanded due to insufficient evidence and the need for new VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of PTSD were denied. For the period prior to October 8, 2024, a rating in excess of 30 percent was denied. For the period beginning on October 8, 2024, a rating in excess of 50 percent was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety and schizophrenia) and a left knee disorder were denied. The appeals are dismissed due to the Veteran's failure to appear for scheduled VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not require hospitalization for more than 21 days, so the claim for a temporary total rating based on hospitalization is denied.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and PTSD, was rated at 30 percent. The Board found the symptoms did not more closely approximate a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in a disability picture of reduced reliability and productivity, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating. The Board denied an increase in the initial disability rating for PTSD.

The Board has granted effective dates of March 7, 2023 for the awards of service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy and neurogenic bladder.,The Board also granted earlier effective dates of March 7, 2023 for increased ratings of PTSD (now rated as 70 percent) and hypertension (rated at 10 percent).