PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from July 12, 2017. The rating for bilateral hearing loss remains at 30 percent since June 8, 2016. Effective July 12, 2017, TDIU and DEA benefits are granted.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of July 18, 2012 for the grant of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD with MDD).

The Veteran's appeal for increased disability ratings for PTSD with bipolar disorder prior to July 16, 2021, and after that date was dismissed as she withdrew her appeal.

The Board has denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for PTSD and has remanded his claims of increased rating and TDIU.

The Veteran is currently receiving the maximum schedular disability rating of 100 percent for PTSD, and therefore no higher rating can be granted as a matter of law.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as his symptoms are linked to an in-service stressor and supported by medical evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of acquired psychiatric disorders (PTSD and bipolar disorder) prior to September 18, 2007 is denied. The Board also granted a higher initial disability rating for the acquired psychiatric disorder from September 18, 2007 through January 19, 2011.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is granted with an effective date of August 12, 2020.,A rating higher than 70 percent for PTSD is denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with Adjustment Disorder and Anxiety (also claimed as depression), finding that her current diagnoses are related to her in-service domestic violence.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not meet eligibility criteria for PCAFC benefits due to a lack of personal care services. The decision is being remanded to correct this error and provide proper notice under applicable regulations.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a disability rating of 70 percent from September 26, 2022 to May 24, 2023. The TDIU claim was also granted during this period.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent since October 15, 2017. The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD, effective from the date of service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for Major Depression and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as these conditions are presumed to have been incurred in service due to the Veteran's reported traumatic events during his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and lymphedema caused by cellulitis, rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment as of March 9, 2021.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD and diabetes mellitus) do not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a). However, due to his unemployability due to these conditions, the case is remanded for consideration of a TDIU on an extraschedular basis under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b).

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent disabling, but the Board has determined that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there are no symptoms or occupational/social impairment equivalent to those required for a higher rating. The Veteran was also granted TDIU due to service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent disabling prior to October 11, 2021. The Board denied a higher rating as the symptoms do not meet or approximate those required for a 50% rating.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to warrant readjudication of the claims for service connection for a right hip condition, PTSD, and sleep apnea. The AOJ is directed to ensure these claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for eligibility to participate in VA's PCAFC program was denied due to a lack of personal care services. The Board has decided to remand the case for further clarification and development, including obtaining a medical opinion from CEAT regarding the Veteran's need for personal care services.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in loss or loss of use of a hand or foot, permanent vision impairment of both eyes, severe burn injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ankylosis of a knee or hip. Therefore, the Veteran is not eligible for financial assistance for an automobile and adaptive equipment.