PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD have been rated at 70 percent since September 19, 2003. The rating for PTSD remains in effect from that date.

The Board has determined that the VA examination provided in April 2020 was inadequate for adjudication and remanded the case to obtain a new opinion. The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is alleged to be related to his OSA.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from March 11, 2019. The rating will be effective as of that date.

The appeal for attorney fees based on the December 2020 rating decision is dismissed as moot because the full amount of withheld fees has been paid.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD was denied as the proper form (VA Form 20-0995) was submitted on March 2, 2021.

The Board has denied the Veteran's request to restore a 50 percent disability rating for service-connected obstructive sleep apnea due to aggravation by service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder, as the reduction was proper after deducting the baseline severity of the condition.

The Veteran's PTSD was not found to be manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity or worse prior to May 20, 2021.

The claim for TDIU is dismissed as moot because the appellant was granted a 100% disability rating and SMC under subsection (s)(1) on July 24, 2023. The earliest possible date for a grant of TDIU would be July 24, 2023.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an effective date prior to January 20, 2021, for a 70 percent rating for his PTSD as it is not factually ascertainable that he met the criteria for such rating prior to this date.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, requiring the VA to re-evaluate his eligibility and entitlement under Chapter 31 after he indicated willingness to participate in VR&E services.

The Veteran is granted an initial 70 percent disability rating for his service-connected PTSD effective May 31, 2012.,A TDIU was also granted effective December 31, 2016.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran did not file a valid application to reopen his claim until March 5, 2021.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, along with other disabilities, qualifies him for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate effective January 30, 2023. Prior to that date, he was found in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected conditions.

The appeals for left knee injury, lumbar back pain, bilateral burn scars, and sleep apnea have been dismissed. The appeal of post-traumatic stress disorder is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's OSA is caused by his service-connected PTSD, and thus grants service connection for OSA as secondary to PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) due to lack of evidence showing a prior claim or entitlement before March 17, 2015.

The Veteran's PTSD with persistent depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder is granted as service-connected due to MST. The left carpal tunnel syndrome remains at a 10% disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating under VA guidelines for this condition.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD due to lack of evidence showing current disabilities. The case is remanded for a new opinion on the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The Board also found that the evidence does not support a compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss, as it is currently rated at Level I.,Service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, and headaches have been remanded due to incomplete service treatment records.