PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with depression, tinnitus, prostate cancer residuals, bilateral hearing loss, and erectile dysfunction, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment for at least some portion of the relevant period. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not cause the level of impairment required for a disability rating higher than 30 percent during the period prior to October 26, 2020.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD prior to December 24, 2018 has been withdrawn. The claim for SMC at the housebound rate prior to December 24, 2018 is denied as the Veteran does not meet the criteria for permanent housebound status due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound due to his service-connected disabilities. The case is now pending for further development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, characterized as PTSD and major depressive disorder, is granted due to the evidence showing a current diagnosis related to his service.

The Veteran's initial 70 percent rating for PTSD has been granted, but the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating for individual unemployability (TDIU) is still pending and requires further review.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but the claims for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and schizoid personality disorder) are remanded due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.,The claim for brain damage is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.

The Board has remanded two claims: one for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety; the other for a higher rating for TBI residuals. The Veteran needs to undergo additional examinations to determine if he has PTSD and whether his TBI or its residuals are causing or aggravating any acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's TBI was granted an initial compensable rating of 10 percent. The Veteran's PTSD was denied for increased ratings.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his in-service personal assault, and therefore service connection for PTSD is granted. The neck disability, right shoulder disability, and right-hand disability are not found to be directly related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for psychosis under 38 U.S.C. § 1702, finding that an active psychosis did not develop within two years of his separation from service. The remaining claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further examination and development of records, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and clarifying information about a provider named Dr. C.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent rating, effective May 2014. The appeal for TDIU prior to October 12, 2016, and service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and left shoulder disability are remanded.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for PTSD due to a lack of an opinion regarding its onset during active service. The skin disorder and neurobehavioral effects are denied as there is no evidence they began during service or are related to in-service events.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and bilateral restless leg syndrome (RLS) as secondary to PTSD have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities or a causal relationship between these conditions and PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD and psychosis. The claim will be reconsidered with a new examination.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorder, has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a bilateral eye disability are remanded due to the need for additional evidence and medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and remanded the issues of initial evaluations for right and left knee disabilities.