PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since May 20, 2014. The Board found that the evidence shows total occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as difficulty in understanding complex commands, impaired judgment, disturbances of motivation and mood, and difficulty establishing effective work and social relationships. Therefore, a 100% rating is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, DM II with erectile dysfunction and hypertension, peripheral neuropathy, and cataracts, have been shown to prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine the current severity of the Veteran's PTSD and whether he qualifies for a TDIU. The claims are being remanded.

For the appeal period prior to April 8, 2012, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.,For the appeal period from December 17, 2020, the Veteran meets the criteria for special monthly compensation based on housebound criteria.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection and a higher rating for his back injury residuals, as well as his appeal for an increased PTSD rating. The Veteran's PTSD prior to December 14, 2018 was granted a 70 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disability, hypertension, and speech disability are not service-connected due to lack of credible evidence supporting their onset or connection to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, finding no current diagnosis of the condition. Service connection was granted for an unspecified anxiety disorder.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for migraines due to a need for further development and consideration.,For the low back disability, the Veteran's STRs are unremarkable for any complaints or diagnoses related to his low back. The most probative evidence does not support finding that his current low back disability is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's previous claims were denied due to lack of current diagnosis or no relationship to service.

The Veteran's increased evaluation for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and the potential existence of outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified anxiety disorder has been rated at 10 percent since July 2012, but the Board found that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70 percent rating, effective July 24, 2010. The claim for a higher rating and service connection for TBI are denied.

The Board has granted an effective date of August 28, 1981 for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's original claim was denied in November 1981 but new evidence from his service records confirmed a stressor that contributed to his later development of PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation of 50 percent for PTSD is granted, effective as of March 20, 2015. The claim for TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted from July 10, 2017. The PTSD rating remains remanded for further clarification.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was rated at 30 percent prior to November 8, 2021 and denied a higher rating.,Beginning November 8, 2021, the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder was rated at 50 percent and denied a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of PTSD was granted, with a rating of 70 percent effective January 17, 2022. The claim for TDIU based on PTSD was also granted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for left ear hearing loss was denied, and his PTSD rating from January 17, 2017 to April 26, 2021, and in excess of 70 percent thereafter, was also denied.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and for ischemic heart disease due to Agent Orange exposure. The evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran's current mental health condition or heart disability was related to his military service.