PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's spouse, M.A.T., is the caregiver for the Veteran. The Veteran has been found to be in need of personal care services due to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder and a gastrointestinal condition that causes him to have diarrhea multiple times a day. However, the caregiver training required by the program was not completed within 90 days as per VA regulations. Therefore, the case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to a failure to request private treatment records relevant to his condition.

The Veteran withdrew their appeals for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, Parkinsonism, and essential tremors. The Board has dismissed these appeals.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, due to a lack of current diagnosis.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD and entitlement to TDIU was denied. The Board concluded that the Veteran is not entitled to an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, as well as PTSD, were denied. The claim for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities was granted.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to a failure to request private treatment records relevant to his condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's effective date for basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits is denied as there was no permanent and total service-connected disability prior to March 1, 1990.

The Board dismissed the appeal of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran withdrew his appeal through his attorney.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is remanded due to a duty to assist error. A VA medical opinion is needed to distinguish between service-connected and non-service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation for the residuals of traumatic brain injury due to service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder and TBI, as he requires regular aid and attendance but does not meet criteria for higher levels of aid and attendance.

The Veteran's left total knee replacement is rated at 60 percent disabling for the period prior to June 25, 2020. For the period from June 25, 2020 onward, a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to a failure to request private treatment records relevant to his condition.

The Veteran's PTSD with major neurocognitive disorder is granted a 100% rating since September 28, 2018. Basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits is established from the same date. Service connection for ischemic heart disease is denied. The issue of service connection for atrial fibrillation is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD and credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressor occurred.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for special monthly compensation based on housebound status, finding that he did not meet the criteria for such benefits prior to September 19, 2018.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of his claims for effective date determinations related to service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder and panic disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 70 percent rating, and his headaches and hypertension are restored to their previous ratings. The appeal for service connection of the right and left lower extremity Restless Leg Syndrome remains pending.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD with self-induced alcohol use disorder, right knee disability, acne, chronic fatigue syndrome, and sub-umbilical hernia. The appeals are remanded for further development, including obtaining VA examinations and medical opinions.