PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at a 40 percent rating, effective from the date of claim. A 70 percent rating for PTSD is granted effective April 19, 2006.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial evaluation of 70 percent, effective from the date of his claim. The Board found that his symptoms align with a 70 percent rating due to occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability was rated at 20 percent, and he is granted a TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD. The Board found that the Veteran's disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that he was engaged in substantially gainful employment and did not meet the schedular requirements for consideration of a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of PTSD was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The claims of entitlement to increased ratings for PTSD, TBI, and migraine headaches are remanded for further development. Additionally, the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is also remanded.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with alcohol dependence prior to June 25, 2015. The Veteran's appeal was granted by the CAVC and remanded for further consideration consistent with the JMPR. The earlier effective date of October 17, 2012 for a 70 percent disability rating is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD is denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not have a separate or related diagnosis of PTSD and his symptoms are already subject to service-connection as part of his unspecified depressive disorder, somatic symptom disorder with predominant pain including anxiety features and unspecified anxiety disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of substantial compliance with previous directives, and additional development is needed including a new medical examination and opinion.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the rating for PTSD, which was previously at 70 percent. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person due to service-connected disabilities. The evidence did not show that any service-connected disability required regular assistance from another person.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection for tinnitus due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The remaining issues of service connection for a right foot disorder, left foot disorder, insomnia, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work history.

The Veteran's appeals regarding a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD prior to February 28, 2018, and an effective date prior to September 29, 2015, for the grant of service connection for PTSD have been dismissed due to the Veteran expressing intent to withdraw these claims.

The Board has granted increased disability evaluations for sinusitis and PTSD, both to a maximum of 50 percent prior to December 13, 2021. Service connection was also granted for rhinitis but denied for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision. The other issues remain pending and will be remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% from January 22, 2018. His erectile dysfunction is secondary to his prostate cancer and service-connected. The Board has granted the Veteran a higher rating for PTSD but remanded other issues including hypertension.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding his ability to access the second floor of his home for treatment and care, specifically related to his service-connected PTSD and knee disability. The VA will conduct a home visit to determine if alternative facilities are available.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, lower back condition, acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and major depressive disorder), left hip injury, and skin rash on buttocks and chest have been granted. The cases of the left hip injury and skin rash are not currently considered as they do not meet the criteria for a current disability.