PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the Veteran's failure to report for a VA examination, and will provide her with another opportunity to participate in one.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 9, 2015 for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is denied. The earliest effective date legally possible has been assigned under VA regulations.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person or at the housebound rate is remanded due to incomplete VA treatment records and the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from October 12, 2017. The appeal for increased rating remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder were granted a 50% rating, effective July 15, 2015. The decision also noted that the Veteran's psychiatric disability was reasonably shown to have been manifested by symptoms productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and also denied TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded pending assignment of a rating for the PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD with major depressive disorder was granted effective February 3, 2021. The Board found no evidence of a prior claim before this date and denied the request for an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is not service-connected.,Diabetes mellitus, type II, was not incurred in or aggravated by service.,Kidney disability and recurrent hypertension are not service-connected.,Erectile dysfunction is not service-connected.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction has been granted based on new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and tinnitus have been granted. The Board found that the evidence supports a finding of service connection for both conditions, with PTSD being linked to MST and tinnitus to exposure to loud noise during service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted prior to June 27, 2017. The disability was manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of all claims.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, lumbar spine disability, headaches, major depressive disorder, and bilateral hearing loss have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence or examination.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that his discharge under other than honorable conditions was due to willful and persistent misconduct. The appeal is dismissed as it does not involve a service connection issue.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's rib fractures, lung injury, facial scar, and PTSD are the result of his own willful misconduct during active duty service. As such, these conditions were not incurred in the line of duty and have been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis is currently rated at 30 percent effective June 24, 2019.,The Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain is currently rated at 20 percent.,The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent after March 1, 2017, and 50 percent prior to that date.,The Veteran's service-connected TBI is not entitled to a compensable rating.,The Veteran's service-connected headaches are currently rated as 30 percent effective March 3, 2017.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and alcohol use disorder in stable remission due to military sexual trauma, is granted with a rating of 70 percent from December 5, 2007, to June 20, 2016.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an addendum medical opinion regarding the Veteran's PTSD with major depression.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, finding that these conditions are related to in-service personal assaults.

The Veteran's PTSD was not productive of total occupational and social impairment prior to April 5, 2019. The Board denied a higher initial rating for PTSD.