PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and major depressive disorder is being remanded due to non-compliance with the September 2020 Board remand.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50% from November 12, 2014 to August 25, 2016. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating and denied an increased rating. For the lumbar spine disorder, service connection is remanded as VA has not provided a medical opinion on its etiology. TDIU is also remanded due to inextricably intertwined issues.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a rating of 70 percent from November 22, 2013. The appeal is remanded for further evaluation on the issues of increased ratings for various conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of Gulf War Syndrome, PTSD, depressive disorder, anxiety, insomnia disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, and cognitive/memory disorder are all denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment since July 29, 2015.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to be in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, resulting in a grant of SMC based on this need. However, higher levels of SMC are available under the law, which requires remand for further adjudication.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, to include PTSD, due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for a medical opinion. The issue is currently under review.

The Veteran's sinus disability is granted on a presumptive basis as due to exposure to particulate matter. Other service-connected disabilities are denied or not addressed.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and readjudication, including consideration of special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) as an element of the Veteran's increased rating claim for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to the appellant's withdrawal of these claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and related conditions was denied. The appeal also included claims for increased ratings for lumbar spondylosis, TDIU, and DEA benefits, all of which were remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for PTSD and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, as well as the claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's attorney requested extensions for submitting evidence and argument.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not substantially confine him to his dwelling and the immediate premises, thus preventing him from qualifying for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate.

The Board has granted an effective date of September 17, 2014 for the award of service connection for PTSD. The decision is based on VA receiving the Veteran's intent to file a claim on that date.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to non-compliance with previous remand instructions. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being reviewed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted. The acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, traumatic brain injury residual condition, and memory loss are all found to be at least as likely as not caused by the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a left ankle disability due to the July 1987 MVA is denied.,Service connection for osteoarthritis of the lower back and hypertension secondary to PTSD are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board has withdrawn the issues of service connection for various disabilities, including a psychiatric disability and diabetes mellitus. The remaining issues have been remanded for further development and examination.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is now rated at 70 percent effective March 20, 2018.