PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's chronic headache disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected fibromyalgia. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is denied.

The Veteran's service connection for residuals of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD with alcohol abuse disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse is rated at 70 percent, effective April 12, 2014. He also received a TDIU and SMC from that date.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression have been rated at a 30 percent since February 11, 2015. The Board found that his symptoms prior to June 3, 2019 did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's PTSD due to military sexual trauma and major depressive disorder, recurrent with anxious distress; obsessive compulsive disorder with dysphoric mood is granted a 100% disability rating effective September 25, 2020. Prior to this date, the disability was rated at 70%. The decision also addressed occupational and social impairment due to PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a higher award of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities separate from his left leg amputation with loss of use of the left hand was denied. The Board found that none of his other service-connected disabilities, independent of his left leg amputation, require the regular need for aid and assistance.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is reopened and granted. The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development and examination regarding his claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for PTSD is granted. The Board finds new and material evidence has been received, raising a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim. However, the claims are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Board has found that more development is necessary prior to final adjudication of the claims on appeal, including a VA addendum opinion to determine whether the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder disability was caused or aggravated by a service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, anxiety, and depression as there is no current diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's VR&E benefits were previously discontinued due to his dissatisfaction with the counseling services. The Board has ordered a new evaluation by a vocational rehabilitation counselor to determine if he is now eligible for VR&E and suitable for the proposed program.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder has been reopened and granted.,Service connection is also granted for PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder, both due to military sexual trauma.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was denied, and his TDIU claim due to service-connected disabilities was also denied. The evidence showed moderate impairment from most areas but worsened after the onset of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a rating of 70 percent, but no higher. The VA has remanded the cases for further development and evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, specifically PTSD. A new VA examination is needed to address these issues.

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

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of increased ratings for PTSD and entitlement to a TDIU due to inadequate reasons or bases in the previous decision.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to assess whether any of the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions have any nexus or link to his first period of service in the Army from August 1981 to August 1984.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 70 percent rating for the entire period on appeal. The claim for TDIU was denied as there is no evidence that his service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.