PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for PTSD prior to February 27, 2014 has been withdrawn. The Board is remanding the cases regarding a higher rating for PTSD beginning February 27, 2014 and TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD has been increased to a 100% rating effective May 9, 2018. The TDIU and nonservice-connected pension benefits have also been granted. However, the February 2019 rating decision has not been effectuated by the RO.

The Veteran's PTSD was denied a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to June 2, 2015. A 70% disability rating for PTSD effective October 7, 2014 was granted. The Veteran's IBS received a 10% disability rating from December 1, 2010 and a 30% disability rating from February 27, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating greater than 10 percent for TBI and a total disability based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to inadequate examination in the previous decision.

The Veteran's tuberculosis claim was denied. The rating for hemorrhoids has been granted at a 20% level effective April 29, 2019. Migraine headaches have been granted with a 30% rating. PTSD has been granted with a 50% rating. Other issues remain pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart condition was denied.,The Veteran's PTSD claim resulted in a denial of an initial rating in excess of 50 percent prior to September 24, 2018 and a disability rating in excess of 70 percent thereafter. The TDIU claim was granted.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD was denied.,An effective date earlier than May 31, 2018, for the assignment of a 70 percent rating for PTSD is also denied. The Veteran was granted TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence suggesting a possible link between the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and his OSA, as well as incomplete VA treatment records. The Veteran is asked to provide lay statements from family members or fellow veterans who observed symptoms during service. A VA examiner will be requested to provide medical opinions regarding whether PTSD has caused or aggravated OSA.

The Veteran's PTSD and low back disability were granted initial ratings of 70 percent from November 22, 1994 to June 8, 2005. A TDIU was also granted for the same period.

An effective date of June 27, 2011 for the award of service connection for PTSD is granted.,A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation for the period beginning March 31, 2003 to July 31, 2011. The Board has granted entitlement to TDIU for this period.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD, depression, and alcohol abuse was denied. The effective date is set at September 4, 2014.

The Veteran's need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities is being remanded as he testified that his conditions have worsened since the last examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, major depressive disorder, and cannabis use disorder was granted with an effective date of November 4, 2005.

The Board granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD prior to February 18, 2015 and awarded TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for sleep apnea, as it is related to PTSD. The Veteran will need a VA examination to determine if his sleep apnea is related to in-service events or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability, including difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective relationships. The Board denied a higher disability rating for PTSD as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, thus denying his claim for a total disability due to individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's initial evaluation for PTSD is being remanded due to worsening symptoms, and a new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD is denied as her symptoms do not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent.,The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for sinusitis and TDIU due to service-connected disability are both remanded for further development.