PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Board has decided to remand the claim for a higher rating of thoracic spine residuals of compression fracture with IVDS (intervertebral disc syndrome) due to inadequate VA examinations. Other service connection and TDIU issues will be addressed in future decisions.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to in-service personal assault and harassment.

The Veteran's PTSD with Adjustment Disorder is granted a 70 percent rating, subject to the regulations governing the payment of monetary awards. TDIU and SMC at housebound rate are also granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 50 percent prior to January 31, 2022 and in excess of 70 percent thereafter for PTSD was denied. The issue of service connection for a headache condition is remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU rating is granted as of March 17, 2020, based on his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to potential new evidence or clarification of his symptoms. The VA will schedule examinations to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence that may support reopening the claim. The Board will schedule a VA examination to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of PTSD was dismissed as the requested higher rating (70%) has been granted.,A total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted from June 27, 2016.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD are currently rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board denied a higher rating as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating due to insufficient occupational impairment. For TDIU, the Veteran was granted based on his service-connected disabilities precluding him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's migraine and tension headaches are granted a 50% rating from July 1, 2010 to July 1, 2019. A more than 50% rating is denied since July 2, 2019. The Veteran's PTSD with severe alcohol use disorder is granted an initial 70% rating since July 1, 2010. The Veteran's IBS with GERD is granted a combined 60% rating since July 1, 2010.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas since August 29, 2016. The Board granted a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD effective from that date. Additionally, the Veteran was granted TDIU due solely to service-connected PTSD since June 29, 2017.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating from March 8, 2012 to January 16, 2020. Beginning January 17, 2020, the Veteran is granted a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of February 16, 2006 for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's claim was received on that date and he had provided sufficient information to allow VA to obtain relevant service department records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder with mixed emotional features, anxiety disorder, insomnia, MDD, and PTSD. The evidence did not support finding that any of these conditions were incurred in or related to service.

The Veteran's appeal for SMC based on his spouse's need for aid and attendance has been withdrawn. The Board also remanded the issues of increased PTSD rating and TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, effective from the date of this decision. Additionally, the Board has granted TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of all available evidence, including VA examination reports and treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to a missing VA examination report, and the Veteran's appeal remains in the legacy system.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, and/or PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to cause total occupational and social impairment, leading to a 100% rating for the condition.