PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder is rated at 100% from January 7, 2014. The TBI residuals are currently noncompensable. As the Veteran is now receiving a 100% rating for his service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder, the issue of entitlement to a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) has been dismissed as moot.

The Veteran was previously denied a TDIU prior to February 14, 2017 due to his employment history and the severity of his service-connected disabilities. From that date forward, he is granted a TDIU based on his PTSD alone.,From February 14, 2017 onwards, the Veteran's TDIU was granted as his PTSD rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, Parkinsonism, and PTSD, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from June 18, 2013 to January 3, 2017. As the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether he can secure such employment, his claim for TDIU in this period is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and nonservice-connected dementia result in a need for regular aid and attendance, meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on this need.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records from UC Mental Health in Salisbury and notifying the Veteran about sources other than his service records that may corroborate his claimed stressor.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with secondary depression has rendered him unemployable, and the Board grants TDIU effective as of December 8, 2010.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for alcohol use disorder, right carpal tunnel syndrome, left carpal tunnel syndrome, folliculitis of the shoulders, back, hips and thighs, subluxation and chondromalacia of the left knee, bilateral plantar fasciitis and pes planus, de Quervain's tenosynovitis of the upper extremities, osteoarthritis of the bilateral great toes, and right and left shoulder strain have been withdrawn. The Veteran has been granted service connection for PTSD.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for insomnia, residuals of an injury to the left index finger, degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, chronic tendonitis and patella dislocation of the right knee, right knee scar, deviated nasal septum, allergic rhinitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his back disability and PTSD are remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including private treatment records.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD and anxiety disorder, was granted a 70 percent initial rating prior to July 2012. The issue of entitlement to TDIU has been rendered moot due to the grant of this higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a new VA examination and updated VA treatment records, as well as potential adjustment of the effective date.

The Board denied the Veteran's reinstatement of VR&E benefits due to his failure to progress in his rehabilitation program and lack of an employment handicap, despite having service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder have been granted service connection, and he is now eligible for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's PTSD and skin disorder claims are remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and opinions.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood, and Sleep Disorder. The Veteran's current diagnoses were not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran's 40 percent rating for macular degeneration is restored, and he is eligible for specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder have been granted an initial rating of 70 percent prior to May 7, 2014. The TDIU claim has also been granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent prior to September 26, 2019 and denied for higher ratings. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also denied.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of PTSD and remanded the claims for service connection of back disability and generalized arthritis due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to an inextricably intertwined issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran testified that he was assaulted during military service and his mental health affects his ability to work.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for ratings for left elbow arthritis and PTSD due to conflicting findings in a previous VA examination report and unclear functional loss.