{"page":"https://casescribe.ai/explorer/conditions/ptsd-due-to-combat","generated_at":"2026-10-03T18:34:10.414Z","data_as_of":{"decisions":944125,"first_year":2017,"last_year":2026,"latest_decision":"2026-04-30","cfr":"2026-10-01","m21":"2026-09-29"},"about":{"publisher":"CaseScribe AI (VA Law Explorer)","source":"Public Board of Veterans' Appeals decisions (appeals of VA decisions, not VA's first decisions), M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual, 38 CFR Parts 3 and 4.","method":"Outcomes are issue-level: each condition the Board decided in a decision counts once. Decision data is extracted by AI and can contain errors. Rates describe past appeals and do not predict any claim.","disclaimer":"For research only. CaseScribe AI is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. Verify figures against the source decisions and regulations.","attribution":"Cite as: VA Law Explorer, CaseScribe AI, with the page URL."},"data":{"condition":"PTSD due to combat","all_conditions_granted_pct":19.4,"decisions":5395,"years":"2018-2026","granted_pct":32.7,"denied_pct":55.9,"remanded_pct":13.2,"granted_on_merits_pct":36.9,"by_year":[{"year":2019,"issues":452,"granted_pct":25.2,"denied_pct":50.4,"remanded_pct":21.2},{"year":2020,"issues":776,"granted_pct":24.5,"denied_pct":56.4,"remanded_pct":17.1},{"year":2021,"issues":670,"granted_pct":28.7,"denied_pct":54.8,"remanded_pct":13.9},{"year":2022,"issues":622,"granted_pct":32.3,"denied_pct":50.8,"remanded_pct":14.3},{"year":2023,"issues":748,"granted_pct":33.2,"denied_pct":51.2,"remanded_pct":13.6},{"year":2024,"issues":991,"granted_pct":33.5,"denied_pct":54.1,"remanded_pct":10.2},{"year":2025,"issues":1079,"granted_pct":33.1,"denied_pct":59.2,"remanded_pct":6.5},{"year":2026,"issues":399,"granted_pct":38.1,"denied_pct":52.6,"remanded_pct":7.3}],"benefit_of_doubt_in_grants_pct":64.8,"evidence_on_merits":[{"evidence":"va_exam_favorable","decisions_with":851,"granted_pct_with":59.3,"granted_pct_without":32.1},{"evidence":"va_exam_unfavorable","decisions_with":4788,"granted_pct_with":34.9,"granted_pct_without":60.9},{"evidence":"nexus_positive","decisions_with":589,"granted_pct_with":58,"granted_pct_without":34.3},{"evidence":"nexus_negative","decisions_with":1463,"granted_pct_with":31,"granted_pct_without":38.9},{"evidence":"private_opinion","decisions_with":1744,"granted_pct_with":41.5,"granted_pct_without":34.6},{"evidence":"treating_physician","decisions_with":660,"granted_pct_with":45.6,"granted_pct_without":35.6},{"evidence":"lay_statement","decisions_with":4966,"granted_pct_with":36.2,"granted_pct_without":47.6},{"evidence":"buddy_statement","decisions_with":175,"granted_pct_with":51.5,"granted_pct_without":36.5},{"evidence":"combat_service","decisions_with":745,"granted_pct_with":37,"granted_pct_without":36.9}],"top_reasons":{"granted":[{"reason":"symptoms approximated 70% rating criteria","decisions":40},{"reason":"holistic analysis of symptoms considered","decisions":40},{"reason":"occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas","decisions":39},{"reason":"symptoms approximated total occupational and social impairment","decisions":29},{"reason":"symptoms approximated 70% criteria","decisions":26},{"reason":"symptoms approximated criteria for 70% rating","decisions":24}],"denied":[{"reason":"preponderance of the evidence against the claim","decisions":231},{"reason":"symptoms did not meet criteria for 100% rating","decisions":85},{"reason":"benefit of the doubt / evidence in equipoise","decisions":71},{"reason":"symptoms did not meet criteria for 70% rating","decisions":66},{"reason":"symptoms more closely approximated 70% rating criteria","decisions":58},{"reason":"symptoms do not meet criteria for 100% rating","decisions":50}]},"recent_examples":{"granted":[{"case_id":"A26040877","year":2026,"judge":"M. DONOHUE","rationale":"Symptoms approximated 70% criteria; Suicidal ideation noted but not at 100% level; Adequate VA examinations and lay statements considered"},{"case_id":"A26040448","year":2026,"judge":"JENNA BRANT","rationale":"Symptoms best match criteria for 100 percent evaluation.; Total occupational and social impairment demonstrated.; Factually ascertainable worsening by August 8, 2018."},{"case_id":"A26040185","year":2026,"judge":"MARCUS N. FULTON","rationale":"Symptoms consistent with 70% rating criteria; Inability to establish/maintain effective relationships; Irritability, angry outbursts, passive suicidal ideation; Difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances; Evidence does not support 100% rating"}],"denied":[{"case_id":"A26040935","year":2026,"judge":"JOHN Z. JONES","rationale":"June 2019 VA exam found symptoms consistent with 50% rating; Veteran's statements did not support 70% rating for the earlier period; No current suicidal ideation, violence, or near-constant panic attacks"},{"case_id":"A26040969","year":2026,"judge":"MICHAEL A. HERMAN","rationale":"Symptoms did not meet criteria for 100% rating.; Symptoms more closely approximated 70% rating criteria.; Deficiencies in most areas of functioning."},{"case_id":"A26041019","year":2026,"judge":"ANTHONY C. SCIRÉ, JR","rationale":"Veteran's symptoms did not meet criteria for rating above 30%; Veteran maintained employment and relationships; No reduced reliability or productivity found"}]},"how_va_rates":null,"rules":[]}}