PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for depression, PTSD, and a back disability due to pre-decisional errors in obtaining VA medical examinations and opinions related to his reported stressors and disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder, with obesity acting as an intermediary step.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD and bilateral foot disability were granted increased ratings in the May 2023 rating decision, effective April 11, 2023, and March 25, 2023 respectively. Attorney fees of 20% of past-due benefits awarded are now eligible.

The Board has granted an effective date of July 1, 2019 for the award of a 70% disability rating for PTSD and has also granted entitlement to TDIU. The initial 40% disability rating for lumbosacral strain remains unchanged as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, as well as right knee strain. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the right knee issue.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, but no higher, for the period prior to November 18, 2021. The Board has remanded her claims of service connection for restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea syndromes.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and SMC based on aid and attendance/housebound have been granted. The claim for service connection of a seizure disorder has also been granted, but the Board is remanding the issue of service connection for PTSD due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The decision is based on some persuasive evidence linking OSA and PTSD, with the Board resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, which he claims is secondary to his service-connected PTSD with a traumatic brain injury and allergic rhinitis and nasal fracture/traumatic deviated septum. The case is being remanded for an appropriate medical opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70% effective December 14, 2019. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD was denied as the claim arose on March 26, 2020, which is the day after his separation from active duty.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, as well as sleep apnea secondary to PTSD. The evidence does not support the presence of a valid in-service stressor or event leading to these conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, is granted service connection. The initial compensable rating for the left eye corneal scar remains denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70% rating, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran's tension headaches are granted at a 30% rating, effective from June 13, 2019. The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy of the external cutaneous nerve and posterior tibial nerves is granted at a 70% rating, effective March 26, 2020. The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance were denied as it was not factually ascertainable that the Veteran was unable to engage in substantial gainful employment prior to April 17, 2017.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the care or assistance of another on a regular basis, meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a pre-decisional error in assessing service connection for any acquired psychiatric disability. The Veteran's claim will be reviewed again with new medical opinions and evidence considered.

The Veteran's acquired psychological conditions, including major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, are found to be at least as likely as not related to his time in service. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension was denied because the evidence did not show he could secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his disabilities, despite having PTSD and tinnitus.