PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Board has remanded the claims for an increased rating for PTSD, service connection for migraine headaches as secondary to PTSD, and TDIU due to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD. The VA is instructed to obtain private treatment records from 'Kaiser' and notify the Veteran of her rights regarding a TDIU claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a duty-to-assist error. The Board will schedule the Veteran for an appropriate VA examination to address claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and alcohol use disorder.

The Veteran's TDIU claim from April 28, 2020 is denied as moot because he has already been granted TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD due to military sexual trauma (MST) as the evidence supports that the Veteran experienced in-service personal assaults and his current PTSD is related to these events.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and duty-to-assist errors, particularly regarding the Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, anxiety disorder, and alcohol and substance use disorders.

The Veteran withdrew all his pending appeals and confirmed the withdrawal at the May 2024 Board hearing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as his lay testimony, combined with the VA examiner's opinion and other evidence of record, supports a finding that he experienced an in-service stressor related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity. The Board finds reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric conditions, including PTSD. The claim will be returned for further development and consideration.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for the Veteran's PTSD, finding that his symptoms cause occupational and social impairment in most areas.

A 30 percent rating for PTSD is granted from October 27, 2017 to January 29, 2019. The Veteran's TDIU claim prior to March 6, 2019 and Dependents' Educational Assistance claim are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with unspecified anxiety disorder and unspecified depressive disorder has resulted in total occupational and social impairment throughout the relevant appellate period, warranting a 100% evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective July 2, 2019. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error and obtain a VA examination for the Veteran's psychiatric condition.

The appeal for additional attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in an August 2023 rating decision is dismissed due to the issuance of a corrected fee decision that replaced the original one.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's OSA is service-connected as it was aggravated by his PTSD, which he had during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, including a detailed report from his private psychologist. The claim for service connection for PTSD is being reconsidered as part of this process.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and Alcohol Use Disorder, has caused significant occupational and social impairment throughout the appeal period. The Board grants a 70 percent initial rating for this condition but remands for further development regarding entitlement to an increased rating or TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD with secondary alcohol abuse is granted a 100 percent disability rating, and the Board finds that his symptoms of total occupational and social impairment warrant this highest rating.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disability other than PTSD, but the issue of service connection for PTSD remains pending and will be remanded to attempt to corroborate the Veteran's account of serving as a confidential informant during service.

The Veteran's claim for increased PTSD benefits was granted in the March 2023 rating decision, resulting in a payment of $22,802.36 to the Veteran.