PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD is denied as there was no prior claim made before August 23, 2017.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service stressors and for further examination of his psychiatric condition. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is pending.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection effective February 20, 2007. The Board found that the initial rating of 50% should be increased to 100% as of this date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was pending at the time of his separation from active duty. The effective date for this service connection is set to February 22, 2003, which is one day after he left active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors and a need for further examination to determine if his current psychiatric conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for annual clothing allowances related to a back brace, thera-gesic pain cream, and shoe lifts are denied as there is no service-connected disability that would qualify under the criteria.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is being remanded due to the need for another VA examination to assess whether his PTSD requires such assistance.

The Veteran's PTSD has been assigned a 70 percent disability evaluation, which is the maximum rating available under VA guidelines. The Board found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating due to lack of total occupational and social impairment. Additionally, he was granted TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to May 25, 2017 did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent due to occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed substantially or materially to his death, and therefore grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death.

The Veteran's OSA, which is aggravated by his PTSD, has been granted a 50% rating since March 19, 2009. As of November 25, 2009, but no earlier, the Veteran was found to be unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, left shoulder, left hip, and left ankle, as well as PTSD. The claims for a respiratory disorder are also remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed stressor.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an examination.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings and TDIU have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his claims through his authorized representative.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD is of such severity as to render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, granting total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran withdrew his increased rating claim for PTSD, and the Board dismissed the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is attributable to military sexual trauma and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, an unspecified anxiety disorder, and an unspecified depressive disorder has been reopened. The case is remanded to schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine if he has these conditions and whether they are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, as her diagnosis of PTSD is related to a sexual assault during active duty.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board denied a higher rating as his symptoms do not warrant an increase to more than 30 percent.