PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's PTSD and chronic schizophrenia have caused total social and occupational impairment throughout the period on appeal, warranting an initial 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and he is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding whether the appellant was insane at the time of his misconduct leading to his other than honorable discharge. The issues of service connection for PTSD and the character of discharge are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD was granted with an earlier effective date of August 5, 2002. The appeal is granted as the Veteran is eligible to receive past-due benefits attorney fees.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal as his June 2014 substantive appeal was not timely filed, and thus, the claims of service connection for various conditions were not considered.

The Veteran's disability rating for her back disability was reduced from 40 percent to 20 percent, effective July 31, 2020. The reduction was not proper and the rating is restored.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) to include adjustment disorder with depressed mood, persistent depressive disorder and sleep disturbances. However, the claim for service connection for PTSD is denied as there is no medical diagnosis of PTSD that conforms to DSM criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder and poly-substance use disorder, in remission, prior to November 20, 2018, did not meet the criteria for a disability rating higher than 50 percent due to occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD due to military sexual trauma is granted. The issue of service connection for a neck condition is remanded due to the need for additional development and an opinion.

The Board has dismissed all claims related to the Veteran's death, including those for PTSD, hearing loss, onychomycosis, prostate cancer reduction, and individual unemployability.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and a TDIU rating due to PTSD. The Veteran's hearing loss is linked to his military service, and he is unable to work due to his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and for TDIU due to additional evidentiary development, including obtaining updated VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the SMC claim due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's employment status and additional VA and private treatment records are needed. The appeal is now in remand status.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relationships, judgment, thinking, or mood. The appeal is granted for a 70 percent disability rating prior to February 28, 2017.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his service-connected PTSD and obesity. The VA needs to provide an opinion on these issues.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as it was caused by fear of hostile military activity during his service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a recurrent multiple joint disability have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis, as his major depressive disorder is the primary service-connected psychiatric condition. Service connection for a recurrent multiple joint disability was also denied due to lack of evidence of such a disability during active service or thereafter.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating since February 27, 2014. A TDIU prior to March 23, 2019 was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound status, thus his claim for special monthly compensation is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for further verification of dates of service in the Selected Reserve and to obtain medical records from Social Security Administration.