PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

Prior to September 18, 2017, the Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent.,Effective from September 18, 2017, the Veteran's PTSD is now rated at 70 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings on several conditions was dismissed. The right arm furuncle received a 10% rating, and the obstructive sleep apnea remains at 50%. The Veteran’s TDIU claim is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is remanded due to his failure to complete the VA Form 21-8940, which was sent to him in September 2020. The Veteran and his representative requested another opportunity to provide information.

The Board has remanded both the increased rating for PTSD and the TDIU claim due to insufficient information regarding the date of onset of the Veteran's increase in disability. The AOJ is instructed to obtain an addendum from the November 2019 examiner addressing this issue, as well as adjudicate the TDIU and housebound rate claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities at least as likely as not result in him needing regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at a 50 percent since February 15, 2008, and will remain at that level until July 10, 2011. After that date, the rating is increased to 70 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD secondary to MST and Major Depressive Disorder as secondary to PTSD are granted. The claim for service connection for headaches is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain VA treatment records and for an addendum medical opinion regarding his sleep apnea. The TDIU claim will be considered again as part of the increased PTSD rating claim.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and psychosis have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was denied in September 2013 due to lack of corroborated stressors. The RO reopened the claim in February 2015 and again denied it, finding no new and material evidence. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of potential CUE in a prior rating decision.,The Veteran’s PTSD claim is also being remanded as there is contention regarding whether there was clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in a September 1983 rating decision.

The Veteran's initial claim for PTSD was granted with a 50% disability rating effective July 3, 2003. A separate issue of service connection for Depressive Disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD resulted in severe symptomatology, leading to a 70 percent initial evaluation from September 8, 2003, to October 18, 2010. The Board also granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's broken bones claim is denied as there is no current diagnosed condition.,The Veteran's migraine headaches claim is denied due to lack of a causal relationship with service.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability claim is denied based on the absence of a link between the 1994 car accident and current symptoms.,The Veteran's right shoulder disability claim is denied as there is no evidence linking it to service or the 1994 car accident.,The Veteran's left shoulder disability claim is denied for similar reasons.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) claim is denied due to lack of a causal relationship with service.

The Veteran's PTSD, rated at 100 percent disabling since April 2, 2013, is the only service-connected condition. As a result, he cannot be granted a TDIU because his PTSD alone already meets the criteria for a 100% disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for a medical opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and insomnia.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for an acquired psychiatric disorder, PTSD, sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, right knee disability, and TDIU prior to December 11, 2017. The remand includes requesting additional medical records, scheduling examinations, and determining the severity of the Veteran's disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including whether PTSD is present or related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further review due to inadequate analysis of the Veteran's PTSD symptoms and alcohol abuse/dependence, as well as the need to develop the TDIU issue.