PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating for PTSD with TBI before the Board could make a decision. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with MDD was granted a 100% disability rating effective January 30, 2019.

The Veteran's cause of death is due to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, which was related to PTSD stemming from his military service. The Board granted the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and remanded the issue of service connection for OSA.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his military service, while the hearing loss disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed PTSD is at least as likely as not related to fear of military hostility during his service in Germany, and the Board has granted service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's service connection claims for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and various peripheral neuropathies as well as PTSD have been granted. The Veteran is also receiving a higher initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 100 percent effective April 24, 2017. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability (TDIU) is dismissed as the PTSD alone meets the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied in June 2011, but the Board has now granted reopening of this claim and service connection for bipolar disorder. The decision also grants service connection for any psychiatric disorders, including PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, posttraumatic stress disorder with depressive features, and tinnitus have been granted. The claim for service connection for hypertension has been remanded due to secondary service connection.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD, but the issue of service connection for a left knee disability is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his employment is not in a protected environment and he has not demonstrated marginal employment. The preponderance of evidence does not support the conclusion that his service-connected conditions prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the evidence is inadequate for adjudicative purposes as the VA examination report, and its corresponding medical opinion, were formulated pursuant to the DSM-IV. The Board finds remand necessary for an adequate examination and medical opinion.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100% rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder is denied. The Board found that the increase in severity of PTSD and major depression occurred within one year prior to the date of claim, making June 26, 2019, the appropriate effective date.

The Board found that the appellant is eligible for attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in September 2019, and the amount of fees was calculated correctly.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and a need for further clarification regarding the presence of PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service stressors and a need for further examination to determine if he has any acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD. The claim will be returned to the AOJ for these actions.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent rating, but no higher, throughout the period on appeal. The symptoms include suicidal ideation, near-continuous depression, and an inability to establish effective relationships.

The Veteran's initial claim for service connection and a higher rating for PTSD was granted, with an effective date of August 10, 2017. The Veteran is currently rated at the 70 percent disability level.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.