PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD and entitlement to a TDIU was granted, but the agent fees awarded in an October 2016 rating decision are not warranted due to lack of contribution. The past-due benefits awarded in that decision will be released to the Veteran.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD, finding that the correct effective date is August 12, 2020.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating of 100 percent is not warranted due to his ability to maintain social and occupational functioning despite his symptoms.

The Board has found that the March 2021 rating decision, which denied a higher rating for PTSD, had a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Veteran's claim is being remanded for further development and an adequate examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for PTSD with MDD prior to January 17, 2020 and from January 17, 2020. The evidence did not show that his symptoms warranted a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to January 17, 2020 or in excess of 50 percent since then.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, headache disorder, lower back disorder, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are all remanded due to inadequate examinations and development.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70% effective April 23, 2019. The effective date for the grant of a 70% disability rating for PTSD has been granted as of April 23, 2019.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the issues of service connection and increased ratings for various conditions, including sleep apnea, hemorrhoids, bilateral hearing loss, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lumbar strain, and PTSD. As a result, the appeal is dismissed.

This decision grants an effective date of January 3, 2019 for the increased ratings of 70 percent for PTSD and 30 percent for migraines. The earlier effective dates are based on receipt of claims for increase in November 2018 and January 2020.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an increased disability evaluation of 70 percent, effective from the date of claim. Additionally, the Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD and hepatitis C.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and back condition caused him to become obese, which was a substantial factor in causing his obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum rating available. The Board denied a higher rating and also denied special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since May 19, 2014. The VA increased the rating to 70% effective July 7, 2020, due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus, hepatitis C, and respiratory conditions (including sinusitis) are related to service. However, his bilateral hearing loss and flash burn with chronic watery and corneal scarring (eye condition) require further examination and medical opinion.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating and earlier effective date for PTSD was denied. The Veteran is currently rated at 70 percent for PTSD, effective May 19, 2016.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD was also denied as he did not have a pending claim prior to submitting his intent to file on May 19, 2016.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from August 24, 2018, to March 3, 2020. The Board denied a higher rating for this period.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to February 6, 2019. The issues of increased ratings for radiculopathy of the lower extremities and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, hypertension, tinnitus, and hearing loss, do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's skin cancer/basal cell carcinoma is granted as due to herbicide exposure, and he is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD. Effective dates are not specified.

The Veteran's claim for aid and attendance due to service-connected PTSD is granted, effective April 18, 2020. The Board found that the Veteran has been in need of regular aid and assistance since at least April 18, 2020.