PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's PTSD with TBI has been granted an initial rating of 50 percent, effective November 29, 2023. The decision is based on the Veteran's cognitive and emotional symptoms.

The appeal for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is dismissed. The Veteran's claim for a TDIU from May 1, 2017 is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to missing records and a failure to provide adequate VA examinations. The Veteran is presumed to have served in Vietnam but lacks documentation of his service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted with an effective date of March 18, 2014.,Basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits is also granted with the same effective date.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating of PTSD was denied. The issues of service connection for tinea pedis and onychomycosis, initial compensable evaluation for residual scarring status post basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma removals, peripheral neuropathy, and headaches (secondary to PTSD) were remanded.

The Board has determined that the initial decision on service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea is inadequate and requires a new medical opinion to determine if it is caused or aggravated by any of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted a 100 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, finding that his symptoms have resulted in total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder is granted, as the evidence supports a finding that his current mental health conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in verifying the Veteran's in-service motor vehicle accident stressor and determining if his PTSD is related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity during service.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to May 14, 2020, for the grant of service connection of PTSD with bipolar II disorder and alcohol use disorder was denied. The Board found that the criteria were not met due to the Veteran filing his claim after a year from discharge. The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with Bipolar II disorder and alcohol use disorder is remanded.

The Board has determined that an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress is not warranted, and this decision is being remanded to allow the AOJ to address whether new evidence supports a request for such.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, finding no evidence of a current disability related to service.

The Veteran's claim for individual unemployability was granted from October 1, 2011. The effective date is set at this time as the evidence shows he was unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 20 percent, effective from the date of the March 2021 decision. The ratings for PTSD and right knee disability are denied.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for PTSD is denied as her symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 100% disability rating.,The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for chronic cephalgia, shin splints in both legs, and sleep apnea due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors and inextricably intertwined with his increased-rating claim for PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's eligibility for benefits under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) due to a finding that he did not meet the criteria for personal care services, as his medical and functional assessments indicated he could manage his own daily activities and medications without assistance.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, effective from the date of this decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and major depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder and stimulant disorder in remission leave him needing regular aid and attendance due to his memory impairment, making him eligible for special monthly compensation (SMC) at the aid and attendance rate.