PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's initial disability rating for PTSD was denied, and a TDIU prior to October 10, 2018, was granted.

The Veteran's death certificate indicates that his surviving spouse at the time of his death was P.W., not the appellant. The Board denied the appellant's claim for DIC benefits as she and the Veteran were legally divorced at the time of his death.

The Veteran's PTSD with mood disorder and alcohol abuse is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that his condition may have worsened since the last VA examination. The claim for a TDIU is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim.

The Veteran's right wrist tendonitis and PTSD, major depressive disorder, and alcohol abuse disorder are being remanded for further development. The TDIU issue is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the right wrist disability.

The Veteran's PTSD has not manifested as total occupational and social impairment, thus a rating in excess of 70 percent is denied.

The Board has granted an effective date of February 27, 2015 for the grant of service connection for tinnitus. The Veteran's claims for other disabilities are remanded due to incomplete records and need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for insomnia disorder is granted. The Board finds that additional development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the remaining issues, including a VA examination and review of relevant treatment records.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with posttraumatic stress disorder is rated as 100 percent disabling for the entire rating period on appeal, granting a total disability rating. Additionally, special monthly compensation at the housebound rate is granted due to additional service-connected disabilities.

The Board has vacated its previous decisions and granted the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD, service connection for pulmonary amyloidosis, and a TDIU since January 23, 2014 due to a denial of due process of law. The Veteran will be given additional time to submit evidence or arguments.

The Veteran's tinnitus and PTSD have been granted service connection.,Service connection for left ear hearing loss has been denied, as the preexisting condition did not worsen during service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and TBI with vertigo was found to not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent prior to December 1, 2014. The claim for total disability due to individual unemployability prior to December 1, 2014 was dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent disabling for PTSD, anxiety, and nightmares is dismissed without prejudice as the Veteran requested withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and schizophrenia, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for PTSD with substance abuse in remission has been dismissed as the Veteran requested withdrawal of all issues related to this claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of the Veteran's claimed stressor and inadequate examination, requiring further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD was manifested by symptoms such as depression, impulse control problems, irritability, social isolation, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, auditory hallucinations, and chronic sleep impairment prior to January 7, 2020. The evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and TBI with headaches should be remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since the appeal began, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has restored service connection for PTSD and denied service connection for OSA, a right thumb disorder status post ganglion cyst removal, and a right thumb sarcoma.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and secondary service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The Board found that there was no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence or aggravation of a disease or injury resulting in such a disability.