PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70% rating, effective from August 14, 2018. His bilateral hearing loss remains noncompensable. The 100% rating for Burkitt lymphoma was discontinued as of December 1, 2018.

The appeal of the cervical spine disability claim is dismissed. The Veteran's TDIU claim for prior to May 7, 2017, is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the 100 percent evaluation of PTSD was denied as a matter of law due to the finality of the September 2015 rating decision.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but no higher, effective April 21, 2021. The Board has found that the evidence most nearly approximates an assignment of a 70 percent rating for PTSD from April 21, 2021. However, TDIU remains remanded as it was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted service connection. Service connection for diabetes is denied. A 20 percent rating is granted for left ankle tendonitis and residuals of a gunshot wound.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds no evidence of a compensable rating. The claims for PTSD and insomnia are remanded due to conflicting medical opinions.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, irritable bowel syndrome, and major depressive disorder (secondary to PTSD) are all granted as service-connected.,An initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD is granted from August 14, 2018.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, anxiety, and insomnia are being remanded due to notification errors and the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, irritable bowel syndrome, and major depressive disorder (secondary to PTSD) are all granted as service-connected.,An initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD is granted from August 14, 2018.

The Veteran's appeals for PTSD/adjustment disorder, depression and anxiety have been dismissed as the Veteran requested withdrawal of all pending appeals prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU prior to July 2012 has been dismissed as the matter was adjudicated in the legacy system.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to his service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD), anxiety disorder, and PTSD. The issues are also related to an initial compensable rating for OSA.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder and sleep disturbance was restored to a 70 percent rating from the date of reduction. The initial 20 percent rating for Parkinson's disease with right upper extremity tremor and muscle rigidity is remanded, as well as the entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for his service-connected Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, rated at 70 percent since September 19, 2019, has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of the claim.

The Veteran's PTSD, MDD, and Panic Disorder have been restored to a 100% rating. The previous reduction from 70% to 50% is void ab initio.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD should be remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

Service connection for hypertension is granted due to the PACT Act. The motion to revise a decision on service connection for PTSD due to CUE is dismissed without prejudice. Service connection for major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and sleep apnea is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or by reason of being permanently housebound due to lack of evidence showing that his service-connected PTSD alone rendered him in need of regular aid and assistance, or housebound.

The Veteran's PTSD/Cognitive Disorder is rated at 100 percent disabling prior to March 30, 2023.,For the entire period on appeal, from September 4, 2018, the Veteran's Tension Headaches are rated at 50 percent.,The Veteran is now eligible for SMC based on his combined disability rating of over 60 percent.