PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound status, leading to the denial of SMC benefits for the period from August 24, 2020, through October 1, 2020. The appeal regarding SMC based on statutory housebound status is dismissed as moot.

The Board has identified an AOJ error in reducing, severing, and discontinuing the Veteran's VA compensation benefits due to 'fraud' under a regulation that is not applicable to his claims. The issues are remanded for providing a summary of the relevant regulations and readjudicating the cases.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that new evidence supports the claim. The decision is based on a private clinical opinion from Dr. L., who concluded that the Veteran meets the criteria for PTSD due to his service in Iraq.

The Veteran's disability rating for PTSD was restored to 70% effective October 1, 2020. A higher rating of 70% has been granted since February 19, 2019.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and sleep apnea, have prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment since September 30, 2020. As of that date, the Veteran is entitled to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety, and insomnia), headaches, traumatic brain injury, obstructive sleep apnea, knee disorders, foot disorders, ankle disorders, elbow disorders, shoulder disorders, hip disorders, hand disorders, wrist disorders, lumbar spine disorders, shin disorders, cold injury disorders, upper extremity cold injury disorders. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a diagnosis for these conditions during service or within one year of discharge and thus could not establish service connection.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder and a 100 percent rating are dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for mefloquine poisoning is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection as it meets the criteria for a direct service connection based on combat stressors and verified in-service events.

The Veteran's PTSD has not resulted in symptoms of a greater severity than occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, thus the claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error and for an etiology opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, as the medical evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD and establishes a link between current symptoms and an in-service stressor.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and MDD, finding no in-service stressor events or nexus to service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and PTSD with panic disorder have been granted service connection, and the Veteran has also received a 70% disability rating for his PTSD. The issues of TDIU and temporary total evaluation due to surgery requiring convalescence or hospitalization are still pending.

The Veteran's scar on his right index finger is granted a 10 percent rating. The Veteran's hypertension and GERD are each rated at the maximum 10 percent level, as they do not meet criteria for higher ratings. The Veteran's PTSD remains at the current 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, secondary to PTSD and obesity has been granted. Additionally, his TDIU claim has also been granted.

The Veteran's TDIU rating is being remanded due to a duty to assist error, and the case will be referred for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantial gainful occupation, and the Board has granted entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was granted with an effective date of November 18, 2013. The decision is based on additional service department records received in October 2022.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a failure to obtain a VA examination for the Veteran's service connection claim, and they have ordered an examination with an appropriate clinician to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and PFB have been granted, with the conditions having their onset during active service.