PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error, requiring an examination to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric symptoms are related to his time in service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of October 6, 2014 for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance was granted. This aligns with the date he received service connection for seizures.

The Board dismissed the appeal for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with inhalant use, opioid use, and alcohol use disorder. The Veteran's service connection claim for migraines was granted, while his claim for sleep apnea was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depressive mood and insomnia prevents him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, thus the Board has granted a total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia and PTSD have been granted initial evaluations, but the Veteran is not entitled to higher ratings for these conditions.,The Veteran has a separate evaluation of 30 percent for her right forearm disability. The Veteran also received an increased rating for her PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted due to the severity of his symptoms.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective February 10, 2006. A TDIU is granted for the same period.

The Board denied an initial rating higher than 70 percent for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet criteria for a 100 percent rating due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for a VA medical opinion regarding the appellant's insanity claim during service, which is necessary to determine if he was insane at the time of his offenses and thus eligible for benefits.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder was granted with an effective date of December 30, 1998.

The Board has denied service connection for respiratory disability due to lack of evidence. The claims for PTSD, cardiovascular disabilities, and type II diabetes mellitus are remanded as there is insufficient information regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicides or other potential stressors.

The Veteran's alcohol abuse disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD with TBI. He also receives a temporary total evaluation for hospitalization due to his service-connected disabilities, and the Board grants him a TDIU based on his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with scheduling an examination and obtaining a VA opinion. The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, needs further evaluation.

The Veteran's combined service-connected disability rating was at least 40% prior to May 5, 2000. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU but considered whether there were circumstances outside of his service-connected disabilities which would justify a total rating based on unemployability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD to include anxiety, a chronic sleep disorder to include obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia, and a chronic headache disorder other than sinus-related headaches to include cluster headaches.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for entitlement to an initial rating higher than 30 percent for PTSD.,The Veteran's appeal was denied for entitlement to a disability rating higher than 10 percent for her back disability.,The Veteran's appeal was denied for entitlement to an initial rating higher than 10 percent for GERD.,The Veteran's appeal was denied for entitlement to a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and diabetic retinopathy, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU based on the combined effect of these conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for depression and related psychiatric disorders due to new evidence received. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder, alcohol dependence, and cannabis dependence was denied. The Board also denied the Veteran's request for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability prior to January 26, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, was caused by his in-service personal assault. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.