PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 70 percent since September 24, 2008. The Board found that his symptoms caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to near continuous panic affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately, and effectively, as well as obsessional rituals that interfere with routine activities.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows he experienced military sexual trauma during his active duty and has a current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board finds that further development is necessary to determine the Veteran's service connection claims for a low back condition and an acquired psychiatric disability.,Specifically, additional records from Loma Linda VAMC are needed to establish continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's request to reopen his previously denied PTSD claim for accrued benefits purposes was not received prior to his death, resulting in a denial of the appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current conditions and his military service.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and TDIU because the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a current diagnosis of PTSD or a corroborated in-service stressor.

The Board has remanded the claim for a total disability rating based on individual employability (TDIU) due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's employment status during the appellate period. The RO is instructed to request updated salary information and tax records from the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination reports addressing whether the Veteran is permanently housebound as a result of her service-connected disabilities. The case will be reviewed again after additional development.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder and PTSD are granted at 70% prior to August 22, 2018, and at 100% beginning August 22, 2018. The heart disability is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has denied a higher rating.

The Board has found the VA etiology opinion inadequate for adjudicative purposes and has ordered a remand to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders diagnosed during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD, major depressive disorder, and alcohol dependence are rated at 70 percent since October 29, 2004. The decision also grants a TDIU prior to October 16, 2008.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches and a TDIU, but the nonservice-connected pension claim is remanded due to eligibility concerns.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in his inability to obtain and maintain employment, leading to a TDIU. The Board has remanded the issue of a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected PTSD beginning July 24, 2007. The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD prevented him from securing or following any substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied a higher initial disability rating for PTSD from September 7, 2007 to August 31, 2011 and denied any higher rating for the entire period on appeal. The Veteran was granted a 50 percent rating for this period.

The Veteran's appeal of the denial of service connection for PTSD and personality disorder has been withdrawn by his attorney.

The Board has remanded the case due to concerns about the Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder and its impact on his employability. The Veteran may be eligible for a TDIU based on this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in significant occupational and social impairment from May 12, 2014 to March 1, 2016. From March 2, 2016, the rating was increased to 70 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are at least as likely as not related to his military service. The decision is based on private psychiatric evaluations and the combat presumptions of 38 U.S.C. § 1154(b).