PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for service connection were reopened and granted. He is now entitled to a rating of 30 percent for migraines since November 6, 2017.,Other conditions such as ulcerative colitis/proctitis, skin condition, pilonidal sinus/cyst, and PTSD-related issues have also been addressed.

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder are granted service connection, while her lumbar spine disability is granted a higher rating from March 22, 2017.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and remanded several issues, including PTSD, lumbar spine disorder, left palm scar, hypertension, and right wrist ulnar styloid unfused apophysis. The Veteran is also seeking TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective as of November 9, 2021. He also received a grant for TDIU and SMC based on housebound status.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The appeal for a higher rating has been denied.

The Veteran's PTSD and left wrist fracture with residual mild chronic tendonitis were evaluated, but the claims for increased ratings were denied as they did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not granted service connection due to lack of evidence showing permanent injury from service. Service connection for PTSD was granted, but the initial rating remains at 50 percent.,Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation claim is remanded as per the September 2019 Board remand.

The Veteran's request to reopen his accrued benefits claim for bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy was granted. The other claims were denied.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, MDD, and panic disorder without agoraphobia, are related to his service. His Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is also related to his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he is able to perform sedentary work with flexibility for position shifts and breaks.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to work, as well as his need for aid and attendance or housebound status. The Veteran will be required to provide updated employment history and undergo VA examinations to determine these matters.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD is denied. The Board also remands the claims for increased rating for PTSD and service connection for depression and anxiety disorders, to include as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD and depressive disorder is granted as the evidence supports a current diagnosis of these conditions related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disabilities, as well as his claim for an initial rating for PTSD. The issues are currently pending before the RO.

The Veteran is granted SMC based on aid and attendance from January 30, 2019 onward. The issue of entitlement to SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound benefits from July 12, 2011 to January 29, 2019 is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for SMC T (based on a higher level of SMC under subsection (t)) has been reasonably raised by the record. The issue of entitlement to SMC based on aid and attendance from July 12, 2011 to January 29, 2019 is remanded.,The earlier effective date for radiculopathy of the upper extremities prior to February 9, 2021 remains pending.

The Veteran's appeals for higher disability ratings for migraines and PTSD have been withdrawn. The Board has dismissed these claims.

The Veteran's PTSD and TBI have been productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but symptoms productive of total occupational and social impairment have not been shown. A 70 percent rating is granted for the period prior to June 23, 2021.

The Board has granted an effective date of August 1, 2010 for the grant of service connection for PTSD and prostate cancer.

The Veteran's tension headaches are granted service connection. The remaining issues of service connection for various musculoskeletal and psychiatric disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment since November 2011, and the Board has granted a TDIU effective May 7, 2013.