PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2026

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, which includes depressive disorder with major depressive-like episode and alcohol use disorder, was reduced from a 70% rating to a 50% rating. The Board has restored the original 70% rating due to lack of evidence showing actual improvement in his ability to function under ordinary conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of September 11, 2022, for the 70% disability evaluation of PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30% from April 2, 2018 to February 15, 2022 and then increased to 70% thereafter. The Board granted an earlier effective date of April 2, 2018 for the 70% rating.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified anxiety disorder and depressive disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD was denied, and the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% rating. The Board has granted the requested increase in disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to her authorized representative requesting the withdrawal of all issues in this case.

The Veteran's PTSD and somatic symptom disorder are granted with increased ratings. Service connection for hypertension is remanded, while other conditions remain denied.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder was granted a 50 percent rating prior to February 3, 2022. The disability is currently productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations and service connection have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for further examination and evaluation of the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating than 70 percent for PTSD, and denied service connection for other conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder is rated at 70 percent prior to August 6, 2020, due to significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's attempts to appeal the denial of PTSD service connection were not timely filed, and their appeals have been dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD has rendered him housebound in fact since February 1, 2025. The Board granted entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s)(2).

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities, including left shoulder strain, migraines, right shoulder strain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), back pain, and lip scar.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and a TDIU were denied because he failed to report for a VA examination scheduled in October 2023 without providing good cause.

The Veteran's TDIU is granted effective January 1, 2020, as the day after his last day of employment. The Board finds that he has been unable to secure and maintain substantial gainful employment due to combined effects of PTSD and lumbar spine disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, but the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there was no evidence of total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's application for special monthly compensation at the (r)(1) rate was denied as he did not meet the criteria for this level of SMC based on his service-connected disabilities and need for regular aid and attendance.