PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran requested an earlier effective date for the assignment of a 100 percent rating for PTSD, but the Board found that it was not factually ascertainable that his PTSD had increased to warrant such a rating prior to July 21, 2016.,The Veteran also requested an earlier effective date for TDIU and DEA. The Board referred this issue to C&P for consideration of an extra-schedular TDIU award due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability other than PTSD from September 16, 2014 is granted. The appeal seeking service connection for a dental disability is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, low back disorder, and bilateral knee disorder have been granted. A 30% evaluation has also been assigned for the service-connected left ankle injury residuals.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, major depression, panic disorder with agoraphobia, and generalized anxiety disorder based on credible supporting evidence that corroborates the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error in obtaining an adequate VA examination for the Veteran's claimed conditions of PTSD, Persistent Nightmare Disorder, and anxiety disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Epilepsy as no new and relevant evidence was submitted to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to May 18, 2015 for the grant of service connection for PTSD has been denied as her NOD was not timely filed.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to May 18, 2015 for the grant of service connection for lumbosacral strain has also been denied due to lack of a timely NOD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease and PTSD, rendered him unable to maintain gainful employment.

The Board has denied a TDIU due to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, but remanded for further development regarding her employment status and income.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to April 22, 2019 and at 70 percent since that date. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.,For the TDIU claim, the evidence does not show total social impairment or occupational impairment due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's dementia is considered in determining his employability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and coronary artery disease, preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. As a result, he is granted a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted, but the attorney fees based on past due benefits are being reviewed and may be withheld. The appeal is remanded to ensure full compliance with contested claims procedures.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting the grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that he meets the schedular requirement for TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD aggravated his substance abuse issues, leading to intravenous drug use and hepatitis C. Hepatitis C was a contributory cause of the Veteran’s death. DIC benefits are granted based on service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective October 9, 2019. The Board denied the claim for TDIU as the Veteran was not found to be unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. Additional development is needed to confirm stressor events and obtain relevant medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including PTSD. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a psychiatric disorder, and an additional VA examination is needed to determine if he meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD or any other psychiatric condition related to his service.

The Veteran's appeal for restoring his disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD and major depressive disorder, as well as his claim for TDIU, has been withdrawn by the appellant.

The Board denied an increased rating for PTSD in excess of 50 percent prior to October 13, 2017 and thereafter in excess of 70 percent.