PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation based on housebound status or need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities is remanded. The Board requests a VA examination to determine if the Veteran requires aid and attendance, considering his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder) due to new evidence received during the appeal process. The claims are being reviewed on their merits.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, PTSD, seizure disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea. The Board has determined that these issues are remanded due to ambiguities in the character of discharge determination and insufficient medical opinions regarding secondary service connection.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, fatigue, and headaches, are granted service connection. The cervical spine issue is dismissed due to withdrawal of appeal. Fatigue and headache issues are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was initially filed on May 25, 1993. The RO denied the claim in April 1994 due to lack of diagnosis. After receiving new evidence and an examination, the RO issued a January 1995 SSOC but did not respond to the Veteran's March 1995 appeal. The Veteran submitted her Intent to File in November 2017, leading to the May 2018 rating decision awarding service connection for PTSD effective from that date. The Board found the April 1994 denial was not final and granted an effective date of May 25, 1993.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.,His claim for PTSD was reopened due to new and material evidence, and he is now granted service connection for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD and other psychiatric conditions. The VA is instructed to obtain additional medical records, schedule an examination, and provide a nexus opinion.

The Veteran's separate 10 percent rating for TBI residuals was restored effective April 30, 2022. The restoration is subject to the regulations governing the payment of monetary award.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a recent inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, requiring further evaluation of the Veteran's PTSD with depression.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU as her combined disability rating is at least 70 percent, but she cannot secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to her PTSD and other service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches (claimed as secondary to PTSD) has been reopened. The claims for service connection for pain and numbness in the left hand, and for a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a right ankle fracture are remanded.

The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for a 30% evaluation for service-connected adjustment disorder with depressed mood, which was granted in December 1996. The Board found that the earliest effective date assignable is June 11, 2009.,The Veteran also seeks an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD (previously rated as adjustment disorder with depressed mood), which was granted on July 21, 2014. The Board found that the earliest effective date assignable is July 21, 2014.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial rating of 70 percent, but no higher. The TDIU claim is remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to service or a service-connected disability, and if so, whether it is secondary.

The Veteran's appeal is about whether the reduction of his PTSD rating from 70% to 50% was proper, and if so, what his current disability rating should be for PTSD prior to July 12, 2021. The case must be remanded due to new evidence received after the August 2018 Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for sexual dysfunction and granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, alcohol and substance abuse, bilateral pes planus, migraine headaches, cataracts, vertigo, and glaucoma. The claims for left ankle/foot disorders other than pes planus, right knee injuries, and left knee injuries are denied.

Your claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted, and the case is dismissed as there are no longer any issues to appeal.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a left knee disability is granted. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted, but service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including unspecified depressive disorder and PTSD) is denied.