PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2026

The Veteran's appeals for an increased disability rating for PTSD and TDIU prior to August 1, 2020 have been dismissed due to the submission of a VA Form 20-0996, Decision Review Request: Higher-Level Review, which withdrew the legacy appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss but has remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete development and inadequate VA medical opinions.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to March 3, 2019 included impaired sleep, anger and irritability, depression, anxiety, isolation, and low energy. The Board found that these symptoms more closely approximated occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, sleep apnea, and various musculoskeletal conditions, have resulted in a combined rating of 100 percent. The Board has granted SMC at the M-rate due to his need for special aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to November 5, 2022 was denied as the evidence did not show he was unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment due solely to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but not total impairment. The Board has granted an initial disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is being remanded for a more detailed opinion on whether it was aggravated by his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder and other conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial 70 percent rating, effective from September 20, 2021. His migraine headaches have also been granted an initial 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since the decision, but a higher rating is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a 100 percent disability rating due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board dismissed the appeal of a proposed reduction in disability rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder from 70% to 50%. The decision is based on the fact that the proposed reduction did not contain a final determination and was therefore not an actionable issue.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to March 15, 2024.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service traumatic experiences, particularly the motor vehicle accidents. The claim will be reconsidered with additional records.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent from November 26, 2019 to January 24, 2021 due to their mild nature and lack of significant impairment.

The Veteran's headaches are granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. His bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 30 percent and denied for an increased rating.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection and a 50% rating for PTSD is granted. The effective date of May 25, 2023 was established based on new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board has determined that he does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to his symptoms not meeting the requirements of a total occupational and social impairment.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) as the evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.,There was no credible evidence linking current right knee disorders to service, including jump school. The Veteran's statements regarding in-service injuries are not considered credible.

The Board has dismissed the appeals regarding service connection for PTSD with TBI, GERD, hypertension, and residuals of a stroke as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified schizophrenia and other psychotic disorder, moderate cocaine use disorder, severe marijuana use disorder, is granted as service connected. PTSD was denied due to lack of a valid diagnosis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD was granted, and he is now receiving a 70% disability evaluation effective April 8, 2016.