PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2026

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for a 70% rating for anxiety disorder NOS with depression and PTSD features. The Board finds that the criteria are not met, as his entitlement to this rating arose after August 27, 2013.

The Veteran's tinnitus and PTSD are granted as service-connected. The remaining issues have been remanded for further examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD because there was no credible supporting evidence that a claimed in-service stressor occurred.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for PTSD with bipolar disorder, panic disorder, alcohol use disorder, cannabis use disorder, and traumatic brain injury was denied as there is no legal basis for a higher schedular rating.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 13, 2025, for the grant of a 100 percent evaluation for PTSD with bipolar disorder, panic disorder, alcohol use disorder, cannabis use disorder, and traumatic brain injury was denied as it is not factually ascertainable that his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorders were manifested by total occupational and social impairment within one year of the February 7, 2025 claim.

The Board has denied service connection for sleep disturbances as they are not separate from the Veteran's service-connected PTSD with insomnia disorder. The Veteran's meralgia paresthetica of the left lower extremity remains at a 10% evaluation.

The Veteran's rectal prolapse is granted an initial rating of 50 percent. The claims for service connection for right lower extremity radicular pain, left lower extremity radicular pain, hemorrhoids, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), dry eyes, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are denied.

The Veteran's appeals for effective dates prior to specific dates have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including to properly address the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his psychiatric disability and whether he is entitled to a TDIU. The issues of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with Severe Major Depressive Disorder with psychotic features and Severe Alcohol Use Disorder, and entitlement to a TDIU are on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for PTSD with cannabis use disorder and bruxism was dismissed because the January 2025 HLR decision did not adjudicate the issue, making the February 2025 NOD premature.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100% disabling from October 20, 2022. The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates.

The Board has determined that no new and relevant evidence was received to support the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD. As such, the appeal is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of February 22, 2007 for the award of service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder is granted. The effective date is based on the date entitlement arose or the date VA received the previously decided claim, whichever is later.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, due to a lack of credible evidence supporting the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is denied as there is no evidence of in-service onset or a link to service.,The Veteran's left ankle condition is denied due to lack of in-service onset and insufficient evidence linking the current diagnosis to service.,The Veteran's right ankle condition is denied for similar reasons.,PTSD is granted with an effective date of May 23, 2021.,Right hip conditions are granted with effective dates of August 6, 2020.,A 30 percent rating for bilateral hearing loss has an effective date of July 26, 2022.,Hypertension is granted with an effective date of May 23, 2021.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a duty to assist error in failing to obtain an adequate VA examination. The Veteran's conditions are related to his military service, but further medical opinion is needed.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's effective date for SMC based on housebound status is denied prior to August 9, 2024. The claim of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for migraines is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral tinnitus, residual left and right groin injuries, shin splints in the left leg, and shin splints in the right leg are all granted. The initial disability rating for lumbosacral strain is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating of in excess of 50 percent is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's appeal for higher disability ratings for unspecified trauma and other stressor related disorder, right lower leg residual scar, and allergic rhinitis was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for his unspecified trauma and other stressor related disorder due to occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks.

The appeal regarding the proposed reduction in rating for PTSD is dismissed. The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to service connection for migraines (headaches).