PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to August 4, 2014, for the award of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance was denied. The Board found that it was not factually ascertainable prior to August 4, 2014, that the Veteran met the criteria for SMC.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a disability rating of 50 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at a 70 percent disability rating since February 26, 2013. However, the appeal for a higher rating is denied from November 9, 2019 onwards.,The Veteran has also been granted a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and HIV, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to June 11, 2011. The Board has granted TDIU beginning June 11, 2011.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent from April 14, 2017. The Board denied a higher rating as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a cervical spine disability is dismissed. The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD), right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and back disorder have all been denied.,There is no evidence of a current diagnosis or service connection for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from March 20, 2012 to January 3, 2020. The appeal period for this rating decision ends on January 3, 2020.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and secondary service connection for alcohol use disorder has been granted. The Board found that the evidence supported these claims based on the Veteran's reported stressors, current diagnoses, and medical opinions.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service and he has been granted service connection for this condition.,His erectile dysfunction, which is secondary to his service-connected PTSD, has also been granted. However, the claim for sleep apnea remains pending as it requires further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for entitlement to higher disability ratings for PTSD, TDIU for the period prior to July 23, 2019, and SMC pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) from July 23, 2019 due to a predecisional duty to assist error.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other specified trauma and stressor related disorder, is granted as service connected. Lower back pain and sleep apnea are denied.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas since September 30, 2014. The Board has granted a 70% rating for PTSD effective from that date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of PTSD and concluded that the Veteran does not have a current valid diagnosis of PTSD. The claims for groin condition, small intestine condition, colon condition, and leg infection are remanded due to duty to assist errors.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and rating increases, as well as the issue of TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The VA will obtain additional treatment records and then review these issues.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating higher than 70 percent for PTSD has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment, thus denying a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU prior to May 31, 2015, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable during this period.

The Board denied the calculation of attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in the April 2022 rating decision, as the appellant was eligible for fees due to representation during the appeal process and subsequent grant of service connection.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on multiple claims, including service connection for left upper extremity spasticity, a disability manifested by slow speech, traumatic brain injury, cognitive impairment with irritability, poor impulse control, and concentration issues, as well as an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD. The Board dismissed these appeals.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error and further evidentiary development is required before the claim can be adjudicated.