PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted with an effective date of June 17, 2009. An initial 100 percent evaluation for PTSD is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of June 1, 2021, for a 70 percent rating for PTSD and alcohol use disorder is denied as there was not a factually ascertainable increase in the severity of his conditions prior to that date.

The appeal for a higher rating for PTSD is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status is being remanded due to the need for a new examination to assess his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have caused him to lose the use of both feet, qualifying him for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile and adaptive equipment.

The Board has remanded the case due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error and needs additional development, including an addendum VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective September 13, 2019. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II remains at a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus type II (diabetes), and Parkinson's Disease have been denied. The Board found insufficient evidence to support the Veteran's assertions of in-service stressors or herbicide exposure.,There is no indication that the Veteran served outside the United States, specifically in Germany where he claimed his PTSD stressor occurred.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for coronary artery disease and posttraumatic stress disorder, as well as his requests for special monthly compensation for aid and attendance and at the housebound rate, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 60 percent for coronary artery disease or a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and anxiety disorder was denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD, and the Veteran's anxiety disorder is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's application for benefits under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) was remanded due to a lack of caregiver training and an inability to complete assessments within 90 days. The claim is being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and TDIU were denied due to lack of current diagnoses, and the effective dates assigned are based on when entitlement arose rather than when the disabilities manifested.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the effective date for PTSD and the initial rating assigned, leaving no issues to be decided.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the General Formula for Mental Disorders. The Board finds that a higher disability rating in excess of 70 percent is not warranted based on the severity and frequency of his symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and thoracolumbar spine disorder have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since his discharge in February 2014, warranting a TDIU rating effective that date.

The Veteran's MDD with PTSD is rated at 50 percent since April 18, 2021. The Board has granted a full grant of the benefits sought on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension. The Board found new and relevant evidence to support these claims.,Service connection has also been established for left knee and right knee disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions and a duty-to-assist error. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified depressive disorder, PTSD, and alcohol use disorder is being returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new and relevant evidence submitted by the Veteran, including his testimony at a hearing. The VA is instructed to obtain service personnel records and medical records from specific hospitals.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD with circadian rhythm sleep disorder, finding that VA did not receive the complete claim application within one year of receipt of the intent to file a claim.