PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus, rendered him in need of regular aid and assistance for activities of daily living from August 20, 2011, to May 22, 2013. The Board granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for total disability based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, with a combined rating of at least 70 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) as his service-connected conditions did not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a higher 70 percent since December 4, 2018. However, he does not meet the criteria for a TDIU either prior to or since this date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for VR&E services, other than employment services, to include retroactive induction into a VR&E program is remanded due to deficiencies in the January 2015 vocational rehabilitation evaluation. The case will be returned for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities have all been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal in September 2020.

An effective date of July 31, 2013, is granted for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability (TDIU). The Veteran's PTSD rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since that date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and residuals of TBI due to incomplete medical records and insufficient opinions regarding service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder and ischemic heart disease render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, resulting in the grant of total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to lack of substantial compliance with prior remand directives and evidence indicating possible unemployment related to service-connected disabilities. The case is now remanded for further development, including an examination to assess the impact of the Veteran's service-connected conditions on his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD and OCD have been rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The Board has also granted entitlement to Total Disability due to Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation higher than 30 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and sleep apnea, as these matters are inextricably intertwined with each other. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder claim will be further developed by obtaining a VA examination to determine if it is at least as likely as not related to his service. If service connection is established, the examiner should also provide an opinion on whether the sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by the acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, as his manifestations of any additional claimed acquired psychiatric disability are not clearly distinguishable from his service-connected PTSD. The appeal is remanded for further development on several orthopedic issues.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was denied, and the Board found that his disability picture did not warrant an increase to a higher rating. The referral for extraschedular TDIU consideration was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD claim remains in appellate status, and the Board has remanded for additional development of records from the Miami Vet Center and Social Security Administration (SSA). The TDIU claim is also part of this appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, radiculopathy in his bilateral lower extremities, right shoulder disability, and lumbar spine disability prevented him from securing and maintaining a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The hearing loss rating is remanded due to a lack of a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC).

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for PTSD, as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 70% disability rating under Diagnostic Code 9411. For right shoulder and knee disabilities, the evidence showed no significant impairment warranting an increase beyond the current ratings. Service connection was denied for gastrointestinal and foot disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, was granted. Service connection for PTSD was denied. For the rating period from March 4, 2016 to December 7, 2016, a 50 percent disability rating for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis was granted. For the rating period from December 7, 2016 forward, an increased disability rating in excess of 50 percent is not possible as the Veteran is already at the maximum allowable rating under Diagnostic Code 5276.