PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 100 percent for PTSD was denied. However, the claims for effective dates of May 1, 2019 for a 100% evaluation for PTSD, DEA benefits, and TDIU were all granted.,Effective from May 1, 2019, the Veteran received a 100% evaluation for his service-connected PTSD, was granted eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA), and became eligible for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's application for PCAFC benefits is remanded due to insufficient notice and an inadequate medical opinion. The AOJ must provide complete notice of the decision as required by law, including identification of whether or not the claim meets the criteria under 38 U.S.C. § 1720G and 38 C.F.R. § 71.15-71.25. Additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran qualifies for personal care services.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for service connection for PTSD due to insufficient evidence to verify a specific stressor event. The appellant's active duty period was from February 1983 to August 1984, and his military records provide details of his assignments. However, VA failed to conduct an adequate search for supporting evidence regarding the death of PFC Whipple, which occurred during his service.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for major depressive disorder, an acquired psychiatric disability (to include PTSD), and tinnitus have been granted due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The cases are being remanded for further adjudication.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been granted service connection and an increased disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD effective April 7, 2020.,A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also granted effective April 7, 2020.

The Board has remanded the claim for SMC based on aid and attendance due to a pre-decisional error in not considering evidence submitted by the Veteran within the applicable evidentiary window. The AOJ is required to obtain an opinion from an appropriate clinician regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in the need for A&A.

The Veteran's PTSD with panic attacks disability warrants a 70 percent evaluation effective January 13, 2025, due to worsening symptoms within one year prior to the March 2025 increased rating claim.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the 70% rating for PTSD and major depressive disorder is granted, with the effective date set at July 7, 2021. The other issues remain unresolved.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, along with other disabilities, has rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that the evidence supports his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD is granted. The claim for a stomach disability is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to a failure to obtain relevant medical records from his period of incarceration. The AOJ must attempt to obtain these records and consider them when deciding the claim.

The appeal to reduce the disability rating from 50% to 30% for posttraumatic stress disorder, including unspecified mood disorder with depression and anxiety, is dismissed because no valid NOD was filed in response to a proposed reduction.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation of PTSD was granted effective June 5, 2023. The Board found that the earliest date entitlement arose is April 18, 2023, but no earlier.

The Veteran's PTSD and migraine headaches were granted increased ratings of 70% and 10%, respectively, effective October 19, 2021.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of August 9, 2019 for the award of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran initially filed a claim on August 9, 2019 and VA accepted it as a formal claim seeking service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including degenerative disc disease, sinusitis, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), bilateral eye disabilities, including glaucoma, and sinus bronchial syndrome have been granted. The Veteran's allergic rhinitis has also been granted with an initial 10% rating.,The Veteran's skin cancer of the right leg, PTSD, GERD, and bilateral hearing loss claims remain denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the maximum rating available under the General Formula for Mental Disorders. The Board found that her symptoms met the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to incomplete VA examinations and a failure to reschedule them. The Veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, sleep disturbances, bilateral hearing loss, headache condition, and lumbar fusion with limitation and pain.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective February 28, 2025. The issue of TDIU and SMC are moot due to the combined rating of 100 percent for all service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted restoration of the Veteran's 100% disability rating for PTSD with TBI and his entitlement to Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) and Special Monthly Compensation at the housebound rate from April 1, 2023, to August 10, 2023.