PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to his request for a Higher-Level Review by the AOJ.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for higher initial evaluations for PTSD as it was not in appellate status due to the implementation of the AOJ decision.

The Veteran's PTSD and bilateral hearing loss were initially granted, but the Board denied entitlement to higher ratings for both conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD has been reopened, but the Board is remanding his claims for a higher rating for PTSD and service connection for additional psychiatric disorders due to in-service stressors.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's cause of death due to his diagnosed PTSD and major depressive disorder, which were found to be related to his active service. The mental disabilities caused him to take his own life in August 2015.

The Veteran's PTSD, with depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder, is rated at 100 percent effective August 18, 2017. The Board finds that the Veteran’s symptoms have worsened since his last examination, leading to total occupational and social impairment.

The Board dismissed the TDIU claim as moot due to the assignment of a 100% rating for PTSD. The issues of service connection for bilateral pes planus and SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status are remanded.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of December 25, 2011 for the grant of a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected PTSD and coronary artery disease. The Veteran was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment as of this date.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are not severe enough to meet the criteria for a 50% or higher evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unemployable, and he is granted a TDIU. The low back disability remains remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating.,The Veteran was also denied TDIU as his combined service-connected disabilities do not meet the required percentage for this benefit.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial 100 percent rating, reflecting total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has granted the Veteran's applications to reopen his claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The heart condition claim remains pending as it was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and dysthymic disorder have prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment since April 29, 2011. His TDIU claim is granted as of that date.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from August 28, 2017 to January 21, 2018. This rating reflects the severity of his symptoms including suicidal ideation and difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied as there was no credible evidence of an in-service stressor.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for migraine headaches from February 21, 2012 through April 5, 2015, and in excess of 30 percent from April 6, 2015 forward is remanded as the current severity of his condition needs to be assessed.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded as there was insufficient evidence linking it to his service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, but remanded to obtain additional medical records and provide an examination. The Veteran is presumed to have PTSD related to his Vietnam service.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 100 percent rating effective November 29, 2016. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is moot since the Veteran was already receiving a 100 percent rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30% prior to September 18, 2017 and at 50% from that date forward. The rating was granted as the symptoms more closely approximate a 50% disability rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder, sinusitis, a degenerative arthritis of the spine, intervertebral disc syndrome, and lumbosacral strain (claimed as low back disability), and bilateral flat foot disability due to inadequate VA examinations and lack of evidence regarding the relationship between these conditions and service.