PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD effective March 19, 2008. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria under 38 C.F.R. § 3.156(c).

The Veteran's PTSD rating was increased to 70 percent, and he was granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD and alcohol and cannabis use disorder have been granted initial ratings of 70 percent, effective from September 16, 2014. Service connection for alcohol and cannabis use disorder as secondary to service-connected PTSD has also been granted. The Veteran is now eligible for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development as to all issues, including a VA PTSD examination and Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Board has granted service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran experienced a personal assault during his military service which resulted in these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his acquired psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD, was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to May 12, 2014 and did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent from May 12, 2014.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, finding that the Veteran did not file a claim prior to February 17, 2010 and there was no evidence of unemployability within one year before his claim. The Board also found that there was no clear and unmistakable error in previous decisions denying TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's major depressive disorder is secondary to his service-connected tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new one must be conducted to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's PTSD symptoms and their impact on his occupational and social functioning. The current rating of 50% for PTSD is maintained.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations. The issues of TBI evaluation, PTSD rating, and left knee degenerative arthritis are all being reviewed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and back strain, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since August 2007. The Board has determined that a TDIU is warranted on an extraschedular basis prior to May 11, 2011.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of hepatitis C, diabetes mellitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), and herpes for further development.

The Veteran's tinnitus and skin disorder are granted service connection, while his PTSD is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) because of the need for aid and attendance, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not render him in need of regular aid and assistance.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has found that a higher rating is not warranted. The appeal for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70% rating, and he is now eligible for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. The right eye disability remains pending as it requires an additional medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, due to deficiencies in the June 2020 medical examination and opinions. The case is now before the Board for further appellate action.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective January 12, 2007. The Board denied a higher rating for the period prior to May 15, 2015.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient compliance with previous directives and the need for further development, including verifying a reported military sexual trauma stressor.