PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claim of service connection for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the VRC's decision denying additional VR&E services, including independent living services, was not supported by adequate rationale and did not consider the Veteran's current condition. The claim is being remanded to schedule a comprehensive evaluation for an individualized independent living plan.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no legal authority to assign such a date, given that the RO has already assigned the earliest possible effective date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, right ankle disability, pelvic inflammatory disease, hypertension, and right ankle scars, have caused her to be in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and major depressive disorder required hospital treatment in a VA domiciliary program for more than 21 days, which qualifies for a temporary total evaluation. The decision is effective from July 12, 2021.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety, due to a lack of a medical nexus opinion. The AOJ is instructed to obtain a new VA examination or opinion that addresses the etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's income from VA compensation benefits is greater than the maximum annual pension rate (MAPR) for a single Veteran who is not housebound or in need of aid and attendance. Therefore, he cannot receive a nonservice-connected pension.

The Veteran's TDIU benefits are effective from June 30, 2020. The criteria for basic eligibility for Chapter 35 benefits are established from that date.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD (previously rated as persistent adjustment disorder with anxiety) is denied. The earliest effective date under the law is January 19, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of 70 percent for PTSD is granted, effective April 20, 2022.,The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to PTSD is also granted, effective April 20, 2022. The claims for service connection of chloracne and heart disability are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and he has been granted housebound special monthly compensation effective January 19, 2021.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than September 6, 2019, for the grant of service connection of PTSD is granted. The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD to include depression and anxiety remains at 70 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD was denied an initial rating in excess of 50 percent and a rating in excess of 70 percent beginning July 14, 2021.,TDIU prior to July 14, 2021, was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent from August 2, 2023. From that date forward, the Veteran is granted a disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD. The claim for TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted with an effective date of October 26, 2016. The period from October 26, 2016 through December 31, 2016 is excluded due to the mootness of the TDIU during this period.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding the permanent nature of her PTSD impairment and the issuance of an SOC for the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened and granted. Service connection was also denied for Raynaud's disease.,PTSD is considered a direct service connection, while the denial of Raynaud's disease is due to lack of current diagnosis.

The Veteran's migraines are granted a 50 percent rating, the maximum schedular rating. The issue of a higher rating for PTSD with depression and TBI residuals is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, right ear pain, lumbar spine disability and left shoulder disability, were found to be of such severity as to preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment. The appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic, atypical ear pain with tinnitus was dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal request.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied due to lack of current diagnosis. The claims for a back condition and fibromyalgia were reopened based on new evidence, but service connection is not granted as there is no established link between the conditions and service.