PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance, as he can dress himself, bathe, manage his finances, and take care of his hygiene needs. The Board denied special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of September 12, 2011 for a 70% rating for PTSD is denied. The Board found no evidence that the increase in disability occurred prior to September 12, 2011.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have worsened, and a new examination is needed to determine the current nature of his condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD has been reopened, and the case is remanded to determine if any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is related to military service. The claims for SMC aid and attendance and special monthly pension are also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with substance use disorder was denied. The Veteran's TDIU due to PTSD from July 31, 2013, to July 27, 2017, is granted. Service connection for residuals of a right arm disability (also claimed as shoulder/elbow condition), low back disability, and right leg disability were denied.

The Veteran's TBI and headaches are being remanded for further evaluation due to the overlap in symptoms with his PTSD. The reduction of a 10 percent rating for headaches is also under review.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence showing that the Veteran may now meet DSM-V criteria for a PTSD diagnosis. A new VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current PTSD is related to his active service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, combined with other disabilities, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of March 6, 2018. His TDIU is granted effective from that date.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for PTSD with major depression was dismissed as she withdrew her appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% effective December 15, 2016. Prior to this date, the rating was 30%. The Board found that the symptoms more closely approximated a 50% rating as of December 15, 2016.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection due to PTSD, major depressive disorder, and cognitive impairment. The decision found that there was no new evidence or legal basis to grant an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD and a higher rating for PTSD was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show entitlement to an earlier effective date prior to January 22, 2016, or a rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD. The examiner is instructed to review the record and determine if the Veteran meets the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for PTSD and whether it is at least as likely as not related to a verified stressor in service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, including anxiety, chronic sleep impairment, mild memory loss, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, irritability, difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective relationships, and suicidal ideation. A 70 percent rating for PTSD is granted from September 9, 2014, to January 20, 2015.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU as of June 23, 2016 due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board also found that the Veteran is not substantially confined to his home and therefore denied SMC based on housebound status.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's sleep apnea, including whether it is related to his service-connected PTSD and rhinitis.

The Board has remanded the cases for a VA examination to evaluate the nature and etiology of any other acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD. The Veteran's service records indicate anxiety and depression during his time in Alaska, but no direct evidence linking current conditions to military service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied as his claim for PTSD was received on June 8, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 21, 2013, for the award of service connection for PTSD and gender identity disorder is denied. The Board finds that VA received her original claim on February 21, 2013, which is considered the effective date.