PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates have been dismissed due to his death. No service connection was established or denied.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding PTSD and sleep apnea, so the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating, as they were considered mild or transient and did not cause significant impairment in occupational and social functioning.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence to verify the Veteran's claimed in-service stressor. The AOJ is instructed to attempt to corroborate the Veteran's alleged event and contact appropriate entities for verification.

The Veteran's TDIU due to PTSD alone is granted from June 1, 2015. SMC pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s)(2) is granted from June 1, 2015.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms more nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but did not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment. The Board granted an increased disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of August 30, 2017 for the increased rating of migraine headaches associated with TBI. The Veteran's appeal on other issues is remanded due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his cause of death from a brain tumor. The Board granted the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities due to incomplete records of his reserve service.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received sufficient to readjudicate the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating for PTSD, an earlier effective date for the 50 percent PTSD rating, and an earlier effective date for TDIU have been dismissed due to procedural defects.

The Board is remanding the matter to obtain treatment records from a Vet Center in Pikesville/Baltimore, Maryland for consideration regarding an earlier effective date for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms resulted in total social and occupational impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating effective from September 24, 2005.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD was dismissed due to his death before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder is granted an initial rating of 70 percent prior to April 13, 2015. The appeal for higher ratings from April 13, 2015, to April 14, 2022, and beyond is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted. The Board also remanded the issues of service connection for sinus disability, eye disability, left shoulder disability, gastroesophageal disability (heartburn), and skin disability.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was dismissed. The cases of service connection for chest scar, sensitive nipples (enlarged mammary glands), and torso problems are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected TBI and other conditions have caused him to require the regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board has granted SMC based on need for aid and attendance, but remanded for a new examination regarding his initial disability rating for TBI.