PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2026

The Board dismissed the appeal because the Veteran's representative withdrew the case before a decision was made.

The Veteran's PTSD with TBI was found to not warrant a higher than 70 percent rating due to the inability to demonstrate total social and occupational impairment.

The Board has found that the Veteran does not have a current disability for VA purposes related to bilateral hearing loss. The appeals for service connection for other conditions are remanded due to failure of the VA to provide the Veteran with VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have resulted in an inability to dress or undress himself, adjust prosthetic appliances, feed himself, attend to the wants of nature, and protect him from hazards. The VA is required to schedule a VA examination to assess whether SMC based on aid and attendance is warranted.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is granted an increased rating of 70 percent effective February 9, 2023. The earlier effective date for TDIU is also granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error, and the Veteran should be afforded a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety, is related to service and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, left knee strain, and left middle finger disability have been granted. The Board found that the evidence supported service connection for these conditions based on direct evidence of their onset during service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that his disability more closely approximates occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and adjustment disorder, is denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims related to PTSD and right hip disability, including obtaining private treatment records and conducting an adequate VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal of the initial rating for PTSD is dismissed because his Notice of Disagreement was not filed within one year of the January 2025 rating decision. The Board also remanded the issues regarding right and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD. The AOJ is required to attempt to obtain private treatment records and provide an addendum medical opinion addressing the etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), headaches, tinnitus, a back disorder, right knee and leg arthritis, left knee and leg arthritis, right hand arthritis, left hand arthritis, right ankle arthritis, and left ankle arthritis as they are at least as likely as not related to active-duty service.

The Veteran's eligibility for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is being remanded due to a lack of adequate explanation in the VA opinion regarding whether the Veteran requires personal care services based on the criteria listed in 38 U.S.C. § 1720G(a)(2)(C) and 38 C.F.R. § 71.20(a)(3).

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions including a heart disorder, arthritis of the right big toe, PTSD, erectile dysfunction secondary to PTSD, plantar fasciitis, and a right ankle disorder. The claims are being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the right knee condition.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and effective dates was denied. The decision specifically addressed the issue of an increased rating for PTSD, which was found not to meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an increased rating from 50% to 70%, effective September 30, 2019. The Board found that the symptoms of his PTSD warranted a 70% disability rating throughout the period on appeal.

The Board has granted an effective date of October 21, 2024 for the award of SMC based on a need for A&A. The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not increase in severity within one year prior to this decision.

The Veteran's appeals for effective dates prior to November 30, 2022, for his PTSD rating and DEA eligibility were dismissed due to the Veteran's death.