PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD from March 13, 2019 to January 28, 2020 has been withdrawn. As a result, the issue is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a pinched nerve in neck and PTSD due to errors in form submission. The Veteran's cervical spine disability claim is also being remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's appeals for compensable disability ratings for right hip conditions were dismissed due to withdrawal of the claims by the Veteran.,A 70 percent disability rating was granted for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for other specified trauma and stressor related disorder (claimed as PTSD) is denied, with the effective date set at July 26, 2016.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, an earlier effective date for the 70 percent rating, and an earlier effective date for TDIU.,The Veteran's claims were dismissed as he withdrew them at the September 2023 Board hearing.

The Board dismissed the proposed severance for service connection of PTSD due to it not being a final decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to her military service and have granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran is granted service connection for a skin disability, right shoulder disability, and bilateral hearing loss disability. Service connection for a back disability, neck disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and adjustment disorder) is denied.,Service connection for the skin disability is established based on in-service exposure to sun and headgear restrictions.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have increased in severity within the year preceding May 19, 2018. A higher rating of 70 percent is granted.,PTSD symptoms include suicidal ideation, intermittent illogical speech, and difficulty establishing effective relationships.

The Board has granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, which include posttraumatic stress disorder, right knee limitations, tinnitus, left ear hearing loss, and other conditions. The evidence shows that the Veteran requires significant assistance with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, grooming, and attending to hygiene needs.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that this rating is appropriate based on his symptoms not meeting the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a disability rating of 70 percent. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU is also before the Board.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased rating of PTSD and individual unemployability, which were dismissed as a result.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a disability rating of 100 percent effective February 21, 2019.,Basic eligibility for Dependent's Educational Assistance (DEA) based on permanent and total disability status was also granted effective February 21, 2019.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, tinnitus, and TBI have prevented him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment due to his symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including prostate cancer and PTSD, do not render him unemployable due to their combined effect on his ability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was denied as there is no competent evidence of current diagnosis or in-service stressor.,Service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome and left carpal tunnel syndrome were also denied due to lack of medical evidence showing the conditions are related to service.

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with the remand requests and has ordered a VA examination to determine the etiology of any psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for his psychiatric disability (claimed as PTSD) prior to September 16, 2023, and since that date has been denied. The Board found the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 10 percent or 50 percent during the respective periods.