PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the increased rating of PTSD was denied as February 8, 2020 is the earliest date on which the increase in disability became factually ascertainable.,An effective date of January 19, 2021 but no earlier was granted for service connection of right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome. The claim was remanded as there was not actual improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.,The rating reduction from 50% to 30% for migraines was found improper, and a 50% rating is restored.,Service connection for hypertension (high blood pressure), erectile dysfunction, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were remanded due to insufficient evidence or procedural issues.

The Veteran requested to withdraw her appeal for an increased rating for PTSD, and the Board has dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to adjudicate service connection for PTSD, depression, eating disorder, sleep disturbance, and anxiety condition prior to June 8, 2023.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate (previously with alcohol abuse in remission), which is currently rated at 70 percent disabling, has been denied. The Veteran's claim for TDIU based on service-connected PTSD alone has also been denied.

The Veteran's claim for eligibility for PCAFC benefits is being remanded due to inadequate notice and unclear reasoning in the denial. The Board will provide proper notice, clarify the reasons for the denial, and ensure legally adequate reasons and bases are provided.

The Veteran's disability ratings for Traumatic Brain Injury and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder were reduced in January 2018. The Board found that VA failed to notify the Veteran of a rescheduled examination, which was required by regulation. As a result, the decision is reversed and the original 70% ratings are restored.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding tinnitus, headaches, bilateral hearing loss, left knee, mad cow disease, and PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was granted effective August 28, 2019. The rating assigned is 70 percent for PTSD.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for treatment purposes only under 38 U.S.C. chapter 17 for PTSD because there is no evidence of a current psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, that may be associated with military service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD is granted, with the effective date set at February 11, 2020.

The Board has granted the Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date of December 20, 2018 for entitlement to service connection for PTSD due to a clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in the August 2020 rating decision.

The Board has remanded the claims for neurological disorder, bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, heart condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder due to duty-to-assist errors. The Veteran's service connection claims are being remanded for further development including VA examinations.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of April 7, 2014 for service connection of PTSD. The Veteran's symptoms consistent with PTSD were present at the time of his claim in April 2014.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder is related to his period of active duty service, specifically during guard duty where he was placed in fear for his life.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, including as secondary to PTSD. The evidence did not support a finding of a nexus between an in-service event and the Veteran's current sleep apnea.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder and cannabis use was granted an initial evaluation of 70 percent. Other service connection claims were denied or remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and any acquired psychiatric disorder, a cardiovascular condition (heart trouble), sleep apnea, and vertigo are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.,Specifically, the Board is seeking clarification on whether there is a relationship between the Veteran's current cardiovascular conditions and her service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea (OSA) is secondary to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The claim for direct service connection of OSA is not addressed as it was remanded. Further medical opinion is needed to determine if there is a link between PTSD and OSA.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed due to the absence of an initial AOJ determination. The appeals for increased ratings for his knees and for erectile dysfunction are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the nature and relationship of the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities prior to October 4, 2019. The effective date for service connection remains October 4, 2019.