PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2026

The appeal to revise the effective date of service connection for PTSD from November 10, 2022, to March 1, 2023, is dismissed as there are no valid appeals submitted.

The Veteran's effective date for a 70% rating for PTSD is set at March 15, 2023. This decision grants the earlier effective date based on his continuous pursuit of an increased rating and the fact that his service-connected PTSD warranted such a rating as of this date.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions including asthma, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, GERD, migraine headaches, diabetes, psychiatric disabilities (adjustment disorder, anxiety, and depression), PTSD, plantar fasciitis, left knee disability, and low back disability due to a lack of current diagnoses or evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was denied in January 2022, but he filed a new claim on October 24, 2022. The VA increased his PTSD rating to 70 percent effective October 24, 2022.,The Veteran also sought DEA benefits based on his service-connected PTSD, which were denied as the earliest date of eligibility was October 24, 2022.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for an increased evaluation for PTSD and for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Board dismissed these appeals.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to November 15, 2021, for the award of additional compensation benefits based on his dependent mother is denied as the effective date under VA regulations and precedent cases aligns with the date of the rating decision granting service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder was granted. However, the claim for service connection for constrictive bronchiolitis and obliterative bronchiolitis was denied.

The Veteran's tension headaches are rated at 50 percent, and his PTSD is rated more than 50 percent. Both conditions have been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for vertigo due to its secondary relationship with the Veteran's service-connected tinnitus. However, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depression, and adjustment disorder) is denied as there is no credible supporting evidence of a claimed in-service stressor.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD due to the lack of evidence showing a stressor event in service that caused the Veteran's condition.,Service connection was granted for GERD, with the Board finding it as likely as not that the condition began during service.

The Board has determined that the VA opinions are inadequate and remands the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's abdominal aortic aneurysm was caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, duodenal ulcer, or MALT lymphoma.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, bilateral knee conditions, and a right-side clavicular condition in the June 2024 rating decision. The Veteran's attorney is eligible to receive fees based on past-due benefits awarded due to the submission of a supplemental claim after prior denials.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal of his March 8, 2024 rating decision that granted service connection for major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder and PTSD at 50 percent effective August 3, 2023. The denial was based on the late filing of the appeal request.

The Board has determined that the Veteran requires personal care services due to a need for regular or extensive instruction or supervision without which his ability to function in daily life would be seriously impaired. The appeal is remanded to determine if it is in the best interest of the Veteran to participate in the PCAFC program and provide complete notice of the decision on his claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in notification and medical opinion, which may affect eligibility for benefits under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC).

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to May 31, 2023 is denied. The Veteran's claim for a 50 percent evaluation for migraine headaches throughout the appeal period is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, back disability, and left ankle disability prevent him from securing or following any substantially gainful occupation. The Board granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service-connected due to presumptive exposure to herbicide agents. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD with bipolar depression), residuals of a stroke, and heart disability are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD and multiple orthopedic disabilities, have rendered her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since March 6, 2013.