PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, right leg varicose and venous stasis ulcers, and right leg scars have rendered him unable to maintain a substantially gainful occupation since May 16, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD with alcohol dependence in partial remission and marijuana abuse has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and TBI render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU from August 2, 2017. Additionally, he is eligible for SMC due to his single disability rated as total.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 70 percent since July 31, 2009. The Board has also granted a TDIU effective March 1, 2020.,The Veteran is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran is granted TDIU on a schedular basis from November 8, 2017. The Veteran's previously service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to December 1, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate prior to May 22, 2019 was denied as he did not meet the legal criteria for payment of compensation under that criterion. The Board found no evidence showing the Veteran is permanently and substantially confined to his home due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for emphysema, heart disability, obstructive sleep apnea, psychiatric disability (including anxiety disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)), memory loss, right shoulder and cervical spine disability, skin disability, and vertigo. The claims are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions on the issues of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to address the Veteran's claims for service connection of PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders, as the previous examinations did not adequately consider his lay statements regarding symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, low back disability, bilateral hip arthritis, and sciatic nerve radiculopathy, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment since January 9, 2006. The decision grants a total disability rating due to individual unemployability from that date.

The Veteran was granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD effective February 7, 2017. He is also entitled to TDIU as of that date.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective April 9, 2015. The Board denied a higher rating as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a disability rating of 100 percent.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety disorder and PTSD, finding that the Veteran did not have a preexisting condition in service and his current conditions are more likely related to post-service factors.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service connection was established based on a current diagnosis related to in-service stressors.,Service connection for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome is granted due to qualifying chronic disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as an anxiety disorder and PTSD, was found to be related to his active duty service in Vietnam. The claim for accrued benefits purposes is also granted.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on the issues of acquired psychiatric disability, low back disability, bilateral foot disability, and fibromyalgia has been remanded due to need for further development.

The Board has remanded several issues for further examination and opinion, including sinusitis, PTSD, vertigo, an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD), sleep apnea, and problems breathing. The claims are not currently decided on the merits.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of an adequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, and the need for further examination.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for increased initial ratings for residuals of a right tibia stress fracture, TBI, and PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to October 11, 2006.