PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2026

The Board denied service connection for PTSD due to the unverified stressor and lack of credible supporting evidence.,However, the Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically Major Depressive Disorder.

The Veteran's TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate are granted effective August 21, 2023, for PTSD alone, and July 15, 2025, respectively. The grants are based on her service-connected disabilities preventing her from obtaining and maintaining substantial gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of evidence, particularly regarding a VA examination for mental disorders. The Veteran's claims for service connection are not fully addressed.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete evidence regarding the diagnosis of any acquired psychiatric disorder, including claimed PTSD, and its possible relationship to the claimed in-service stressor. Additional development is necessary to satisfy specific statutory requirements for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD with secondary alcohol use disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment, but not total impairment. The TDIU was granted from October 1, 2017.,A 70 percent evaluation for PTSD with secondary alcohol use disorder is granted effective October 1, 2017.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis for PTSD or any other diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, and therefore service connection is denied. The Board also found remand necessary for further examination of the left knee condition, OSA, left ankle condition, and right ankle condition.

The Veteran was granted a 50% disability rating for service-connected migraine headaches prior to February 23, 2020.,The Veteran was also granted a 50% disability rating for service-connected PTSD prior to February 3, 2020.

The Veteran's appeal for a prior effective date has been withdrawn, and the Board dismissed the case as a result.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, hypertension, and prostate cancer are remanded due to conflicting VA toxic exposure records. The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his scar residuals is also remanded.

The Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for TDIU and DEA benefits is remanded due to insufficient evidence of unemployability by reason of service-connected disabilities prior to May 9, 2017.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from January 31, 2019, due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not substantially contribute to his employment handicap, and he had the necessary education, skills, and experience to obtain suitable employment. Therefore, VR&E benefits were denied.

The Veteran's PTSD disability has been found to prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation since September 2017, warranting a TDIU effective that date.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, based on a positive medical opinion linking the condition to military sexual trauma experienced during active service.

The appeal for PTSD is dismissed. The cervical spine and left middle finger disorders are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of PTSD was denied, with the Board finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent.,Service connection for sleep apnea (also claimed as sleep condition) is remanded due to insufficient evidence and the need for a VA opinion.

The Board has determined that the initial decision denying PCAFC benefits was not supported by adequate rationale and requires further review. The Veteran is found to be in need of personal care services for ADLs, supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment, or a need for regular or extensive instruction or supervision without which his ability to function would be seriously impaired.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical strain, right shoulder strain, and an acquired psychiatric condition (including PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder), finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with TBI is currently rated at 70 percent, effective February 7, 2025. The Board denied entitlement to a higher rating for the period prior to this date.

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for a 100 percent rating for PTSD with TBI, but the Board finds it not factually ascertainable that the increase occurred within one year prior to the January 2, 2020 claim.,The Veteran also seeks an earlier effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits. The Board found the disability was permanent as of January 2, 2020 and thus grants DEA eligibility from that date.