PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened, and he is now granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The reduction of ratings for his upper extremity peripheral neuropathy were not proper, and the claims for restoration of ratings are granted.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death and DIC are inextricably intertwined with the issue of entitlement to service connection for PTSD for accrued benefits or substitution purposes. The matter is therefore REMANDED for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD and migraine headaches have been granted higher ratings, but the rating for PTSD remains at 70%. The issue of entitlement to TDIU has also been remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and alcohol abuse disorder was denied because the new evidence submitted did not substantiate his in-service stressor claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and interstitial lung disease, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted a higher level of special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial disability rating of 50 percent, reflecting moderate occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective November 9, 2016. The Board also granted entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) due to the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since August 31, 2012. The Board finds that the evidence demonstrates that she is precluded from obtaining or maintaining any gainful employment due to her PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased PTSD with gambling disorder and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD and lumbar spine disability have been granted increased ratings, a TDIU has been awarded since November 16, 2014, and SMC at the housebound rate has also been granted.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for a bilateral shoulder disability, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, basal cell skin cancer, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a low back disorder, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), and a headache disability. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting VA criteria.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70% since April 15, 2014. Prior to that date, the rating was 50%. The claim for TDIU from August 1, 2010 to April 14, 2014 is granted with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.,Prior to August 1, 2010, the Veteran's PTSD did not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has denied reopening of the claims for service connection for fracture of the right mandible and left condyle, fractured teeth, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and mixed anxiety and depressive mood disorder). The case is remanded to obtain additional medical records and provide a new VA opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD and TDIU prior to October 21, 1993 were granted for purposes of accrued benefits.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and PTSD have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since December 5, 2017. His service-connected disabilities are deemed sufficient for a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for right knee scarring and the assignment of earlier effective dates for service connection were dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal regarding a higher rating for his right knee instability was also dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD has been primarily manifested by sleep disturbance with nightmares, frequent intrusive memories, hypervigilance, and other symptoms resulting in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board found that the level of impairment did not warrant a higher rating.