PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error and the need for a VA examination to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disabilities are related to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a special home adaptation grant due to lack of blindness in both eyes, burns or inhalation injuries.

The Veteran's TDIU and DEA benefits are granted with an effective date of May 31, 2017.,An earlier effective date for the TDIU is granted based on the fact that it was part of the increased rating claims for PTSD and hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding service connection for acquired psychiatric conditions, including PTSD and persistent depressive disorder. The issues of secondary service connection are also being addressed.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to his active service, including fear of hostile military or terrorist activity while stationed in the Persian Gulf. His alcohol use disorder is secondary to his PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with her education and work history, resulting in the denial of a TDIU.

The appeal for service connection for PTSD is dismissed as the March 2022 rating decision was a deferred action and not an adjudicative determination from which an NOD could be filed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus (DM), and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, precluded him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board granted TDIU based on the evidence showing his inability to work due to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for a VA examination and notification regarding in-service personal assault stressors. The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and PTSD, is being reviewed.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective June 29, 2020. The Board also granted TDIU from the same date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment as of November 27, 2020. An effective date of November 27, 2020 is granted for the assignment of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from June 15, 2023. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating as they did not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the reduction in the disability rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder from 100% to 70% was not proper, and therefore restored a 100% rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of May 30, 2019, for a 70 percent rating for service-connected PTSD with depression and TBI residuals. The decision found that worsening in disability was factually ascertainable within one year prior to the date of receipt of his January 9, 2020 claim.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD is being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors, including the need for VA and private treatment records and an appropriate VA examination.

The Board has found duty to assist errors in the claims for service connection of psychiatric disability, lumbar spine disability, right lower extremity sciatica, and left lower extremity sciatica. The claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error and insufficient examination report, requiring further evaluation of service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the establishment of a diagnosed in-service stressor and the relationship between his acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, and service. The VA must provide an examination or opinion from a VA psychiatrist or psychologist addressing these issues.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent, effective October 1, 2013. The Board has granted a higher rating to 100 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his active-duty service, and the claim for service connection is granted.