PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date and increased rating for PTSD from August 25, 2008 is granted. The Veteran now receives a 100% disability rating for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and need for additional evidence, including private treatment records.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for depression, PTSD, and major depressive disorder with psychotic features was granted. Service connection for diabetes mellitus is dismissed. Service connection for a right knee disability as secondary to service-connected right ankle disability and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (mood disorder, depressive disorder) as secondary to service-connected right ankle disability are both granted.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD with alcohol abuse has been granted, and the effective date is set at June 19, 2006.,New evidence received after the May 2008 rating decision on swelling of the hands, feet, and breathing problems warrants readjudication.

The Veteran's PTSD was increased to a 70 percent rating, and he received an additional 20 percent for psychogenic seizures. The Board found that the past-due benefits were incorrectly reduced by incarceration, so attorney fees are granted.

The Veteran requested an earlier effective date for a 30 percent rating for PTSD and TBI, but the Board found that it was not factually ascertainable that the disability met the criteria for such a rating in the year prior to his September 7, 2016 claim.,The Veteran's VA treatment records showed appropriate mood and affect, no pressured speech, and negative depression screenings. The October 2016 DBQ revealed occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decreased work efficiency.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and schizophrenia have been granted, but an effective date earlier than October 17, 2015, is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for the period from October 1, 2014 to August 14, 2017 due to insufficient evidence showing he is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the initial rating for his PTSD is remanded due to new evidence and requests for additional records. The TDIU issue is also remanded as it satisfies the schedular requirements.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no final decision can be made on the merits of his claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional evidence being associated with the claims file, and a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC) must be issued. The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea secondary to PTSD is now pending.

The Veteran's appeal on the claims for service connection for PTSD, TBI residuals, and a TDIU has been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's esophageal cancer is granted service connection. The rating for PTSD remains at 10 percent prior to July 5, 2015 and increased to 70 percent from that date.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings related to PTSD, migraine headaches, left hand disability, ptosis of the eye lid, and scars are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 50% rating from August 27, 2015 to May 14, 2021. A higher rating of 70% or above is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100% and grants a TDIU, but dismisses the TDIU claim due to her already having a combined rating of 60%. SMC based on housebound status is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted. The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, low back disability, respiratory condition, sleep apnea, bilateral plantar fasciitis, migraines, and bilateral shin splints are all remanded for further examination and medical opinions.

The Board has determined that there was not substantial compliance with the May 2022 remand directives and has therefore ordered a new addendum VA medical opinion to address whether the Veteran experienced any additional disability caused or aggravated by VA's treatment in February 2015, and if so, whether it was due to carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment, or similar instance of fault on the part of VA.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The appeal regarding this condition has been denied.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating above 70% for PTSD is denied, and the case is remanded for further action regarding a TDIU claim.