PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, erectile dysfunction, and a skin disorder. The Board finds that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for these conditions due to lack of in-service or post-service medical records indicating such disorders.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical examination and the need for additional VA treatment records. The Veteran's current psychiatric conditions, including PTSD, depression, and adjustment disorder, are being evaluated.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent and not higher.,Service connection for CFS has been reopened but the claim remains denied.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy has been reopened but the claim remains denied.,Service connection for a bilateral hip condition was previously denied, with no new evidence provided to reopen it.,Service connection for sleep apnea secondary to PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to October 9, 2013. The Board denied the claim for TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's initial evaluation of 70 percent for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder prior to April 12, 2018 is granted. An evaluation in excess of 70 percent from April 12, 2018 is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression and an increased rating for PTSD and anxiety are being remanded due to the overlap in symptoms and need for a new examination.

The Veteran's child was added as a dependent to his VA disability compensation award on July 26, 2016. The appeal for an earlier effective date is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent for the entire appeal period, and he has additional service-connected disabilities independently rated at 60 percent or more. Therefore, he is eligible for higher levels of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p) and basic eligibility for DEA.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a new VA examination and updated VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim of an earlier effective date is not currently on appeal.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal seeking a rating higher than 50 percent for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the VA medical opinions are inadequate and remands the case for a new opinion addressing all theories of entitlement to service connection, including secondary to PTSD, musculoskeletal disabilities, and medications.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone is sufficient to support entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). As of January 24, 2023, the Veteran also meets the criteria for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) based on housebound status due to his service-connected CAD.

The Veteran's TDIU based solely on his service-connected PTSD is granted effective November 30, 2010. Additionally, the Veteran's SMC at the housebound rate is also granted as of this date due to the combination of his PTSD disability and other disabilities rated at 60% or greater.

The Veteran was found unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities prior to September 20, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD is being remanded.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbosacral spine strain is being remanded.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for GERD is being remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder is rated at 70 percent since July 6, 2021. The Board denied higher ratings for the condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have necessitated his reliance on others to attend to his daily personal activities, and the Board has determined that he requires regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected PTSD and heart issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including lower back disorder, right shoulder disorder, right foot disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression), COPD, hypertension, and sleep apnea have all been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not establish a causal relationship between these conditions and active service.

The Veteran's sinusitis and PTSD have been granted service connection, with a 70 percent rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas prior to February 1, 2017.,Beginning February 1, 2017, the Veteran's PTSD was manifested by total social and occupational impairment.