PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for PTSD was denied, and his TDIU claim based on PTSD alone was also denied. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher than 50 percent rating or for a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition is being remanded due to the submission of new and relevant evidence, including testimony from a June 2024 Board hearing. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining a VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, and will provide proper notice as required under 38 U.S.C. § 5104.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is remanded due to a failure to follow up and ascertain 'good cause' for the Veteran's absence from a scheduled VA examination. The Board finds this as a pre-decisional duty-to-assist omission.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and sleep apnea, have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU based on these conditions and SMC at the housebound rate as of January 31, 2024.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective February 29, 2024. The earlier effective dates for service connection and increased ratings are denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected post-operative hemicolectomy for appendicitis with abscess and abdominal scars have caused or aggravated his acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD, anxiety, depression, or any other mood disorder).

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss have been found to preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The TDIU is granted effective September 17, 2024.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, GERD, obstructive sleep apnea, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has granted service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, finding that the Veteran's PTSD is at least as likely as not related to experiencing mortar attacks during his active duty.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to his service experience, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating of more than 50 percent is not warranted based on the evidence provided.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an earlier effective date prior to November 15, 2022, for service-connected PTSD.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The evidence did not show current disabilities for VA purposes in either case.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70% effective July 30, 2021. Service connection for kyphotic posture of the lumbar spine as secondary to service-connected Parkinson's Disease is granted.

The Board has determined that the initial decision denying eligibility for PCAFC benefits was legally inadequate due to insufficient notice and a lack of an adequate medical opinion. The case is being remanded to address these issues.

The Board has decided that the Veteran is eligible for enrollment in the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) based on his service-connected conditions. However, due to a legal inadequacy and the need for a more detailed medical opinion, the case must be remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings was partially granted, with a 20 percent rating for lumbosacral strain effective from April 3, 2024. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD remains pending and is being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was granted with an effective date of August 21, 2020. The rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder was increased to 70 percent from December 30, 2020.,An earlier effective date of July 13, 2020, but no earlier, was granted for TDIU and DEA under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35.

The Board has denied the Veteran's request to reconsider his original claim for PTSD service connection, finding that no relevant official service department records existed at the time of the initial denial and thus not meeting the criteria for reconsideration under 38 C.F.R. § 3.156(c).