PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 70 percent, as they were consistent with the symptoms associated with a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss) render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work history. Therefore, the Board has granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD, left and right lower extremity diabetic neuropathy (sciatic nerve) are granted with ratings of 50% for the period on appeal.

The Veteran's TDIU claim from September 24, 2021 to the present is dismissed as moot because he already had a 100% schedular rating and SMC at the housebound rate. The one-year period prior to September 24, 2021 for establishing eligibility for SMC was denied due to no single service-connected disability causing unemployability.

The Veteran's TDIU rating was granted in July 2022, based on his service-connected PTSD and MDD. The appeal is granted as the attorney is eligible for past-due benefits.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, MDD, and anxiety disorder, is due to his active service. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was received on December 30, 2019. The effective date of the award is set at that time as there is no earlier formal or informal claim found in the record and the evidence does not reflect a factually ascertainable increase in disability prior to this date.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, TBI, craniotomy, orbital fracture, facial and scalp scars, radial nerve injury, shrapnel injuries, loss of smell, seizures, right wrist injury, and tinnitus are granted. Additionally, the Veteran is awarded Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for anatomical loss of the left eye.

The Veteran's IBS is rated at a maximum of 30 percent, the highest rating available under current VA regulations.,The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a maximum of 70 percent, reflecting significant impairment in most areas.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's PTSD increased in severity and was manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas since June 3, 2020. The Board granted an earlier effective date of June 3, 2020, for the grant of a 70 percent rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and he is granted TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD alone. SMC at the housebound rate is also granted due to multiple disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of ulcerative colitis and TDIU were denied as there is no basis for a free-standing earlier effective date claim after final rating decisions.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and TBI are rated at 70 percent, but the appeal for a higher rating is denied. Service connection for posttraumatic residual pain of the left knee is granted, while the appeal for migraine headaches remains pending.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates of October 13, 2020 for the grant of service connection for erectile dysfunction and a 70 percent rating for PTSD.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's sleep apnea may be related to his service-connected PTSD, but more information is needed for a definitive decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, head injury, chronic headaches, and back pain and nerve damage has been granted. The issues of service connection for these conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and requests for additional evidence. The Veteran's claims will be reviewed again with new information.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the 50 percent rating of sleep apnea was denied. The Veteran also received a grant of special monthly compensation based on housebound status.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and his obstructive sleep apnea. The VA needs to obtain an addendum medical opinion to determine if PTSD aggravated the Veteran's sleep apnea.