PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a pre-decisional error regarding the appellant's mental state at the time of his misconduct, which led to his October 2012 Bad Conduct Discharge. Further development is needed to determine if he was insane and whether this affects his eligibility for VA benefits.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates of September 25, 2020 for increased ratings of PTSD and migraine headaches, as well as eligibility for DEA benefits. The Veteran's appeal is denied in part due to a remand for additional records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other mental health conditions, is being remanded due to incomplete VA examination and lack of evidence regarding the stressors. A new examination will be conducted to determine if the Veteran's disorders are related to his in-service experiences and whether they are aggravated by any service-connected disabilities.

The Board granted service connection for various conditions, including lumbar spine disability and bilateral knee condition. The Veteran's obesity was not found to be a compensable disability. Service connection was denied for jaw condition, skin condition (claimed as athletes' foot), bilateral hearing loss, ED secondary to PTSD, TBI, migraine headaches, residual scar of the head/scalp, scar of the lower back, and right shoulder and right foot scars.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied because the evidence did not show that his service-connected disabilities alone rendered him unemployable, despite meeting the schedular criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and alcohol use disorder. The decision is based on the opinion of a VA examiner who concluded that the Veteran's OSA was at least as likely as not due to or the result of his service-connected psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's appeal regarding a higher rating for PTSD was denied. The Board found that the severity, frequency, and duration of his PTSD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating.,Service connection for alcohol abuse was also denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis of alcohol abuse.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral foot disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, major depressive disorder, insomnia disorder) require additional development due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance began on September 11, 2017, due to his PTSD symptoms. The Board granted an effective date of no earlier than September 11, 2017, for the award of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a rating of 70 percent, but no higher, from September 26, 2014, to present.

The Board has denied service connection for PTSD and remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD. The Veteran's lay statements regarding his stressor events are not sufficient to establish a link between his current psychiatric disorders and service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, stress fracture, and migraines have resulted in his inability to secure or maintain employment since August 2019. The effective date for the TDIU is set at September 8, 2019.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were dismissed due to their death during the appeal process.

The Veteran's PTSD rating was reduced from 100% to 70%, effective July 1, 2020. The Board found this reduction improper and restored the 100% rating.

The Veteran's appeal centers on his request for an earlier effective date for the additional dependency compensation he receives for his spouse, children, and stepchildren. These benefits are available to all Veterans with qualifying dependents who are in possession of at least a 30 percent combined disability rating.,The Board denied the Veteran's claims as there was no good cause presented to extend the one-year requirement to submit the additional dependency compensation claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD or any other mental health disability, including Alcohol Use Disorder. The evidence is against a diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding service connection for PTSD, Cocaine Use Disorder, and Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood. The Veteran's mental health conditions are being evaluated again to determine their etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted TDIU for both appeal periods.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for PTSD, sleep apnea, and tension headaches have been dismissed due to the Veteran's request for withdrawal of these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection of PTSD, as his current diagnosis is related to an in-service stressor event.