PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (sleep apnea, PTSD, lumbar spine disability, and LLE radiculopathy) do not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for SMC based on housebound status, finding that he did not meet the criteria for SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) prior to November 29, 2014 due to his service-connected disabilities and lack of substantial confinement.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss, as well as his TDIU claim, are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD. The RO also restored the ratings for his left thigh disability and limitation of extension of the left thigh, effective October 1, 2015.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and PTSD, finding that new and material evidence was received. Service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD effective January 1, 1994, the day after the Veteran's discharge from military service. This decision is based on new service treatment records that were associated with the claims file after the initial denial in June 1994.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD and Degenerative Disease of the Lumbar Spine have been granted initial ratings, but no higher. The Veteran is not entitled to increased ratings for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's pancreatic cancer and its relationship to service, specifically exposure to herbicides. The appellant also asserts that her husband had PTSD which may have contributed to his death.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of the claim for service connection for PTSD due to military sexual trauma (MST). The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, which includes PTSD, remains pending and will be readjudicated after completion of the requested development.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and right ring finger fracture, from May 11, 2002, to August 6, 2003, and from January 30, 2006.

An initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD is granted as of January 31, 2014. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities is also granted as of January 31, 2014.,Special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits are granted as of January 31, 2014.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a current diagnosis of PTSD under DSM-5 or a causal link to service.

The Veteran's PTSD caused total social and occupational impairment since January 12, 2011. The Board granted a 100 percent rating for PTSD. TDIU was denied as the Veteran is not unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and instructions were not followed. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is now pending again.

The Board dismissed the appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for hepatitis C. The Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as anxiety with depression, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if he has PTSD and its etiology.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development and lack of clarity regarding the Veteran's employment status and education history. Additionally, a retrospective medical opinion is needed to assess the impact of the Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder on his ability to work prior to April 12, 2019.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU due to outstanding VA treatment records. The issues include determining if the Veteran is entitled to a higher disability rating for his PTSD with alcohol dependence, as well as whether he should be granted TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is dismissed for the right knee rating claim. The PTSD and left knee disorder claims are granted, but the right shoulder injury claim is denied. The Board has reopened the service connection claims for PTSD and left knee disorder.