PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's PTSD with depression, insomnia, and alcohol use disorder is rated at 100 percent for the entire appeal period. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disability is moot as the Veteran now has a 100 percent schedular rating.

The Board has granted service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Patellofemoral Syndrome with Right Chondromalacia Patella, Bilateral Ankle Tendonitis, and Bilateral Painful Pes Planus.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations. The Board finds the November 2019 VA examination is incomplete, particularly regarding the Veteran's major depressive disorder and hallucinations.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 70 percent rating effective May 16, 2019.,An earlier effective date of May 16, 2019 is granted for the migraine headaches rating increase from noncompensable to 30 percent.,Service connection for right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis and a skin rash are both granted with an effective date of May 16, 2019.,Basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance based on permanent and total disability status is also granted with an effective date of May 16, 2019.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, GERD, and rhinitis, meet the schedular criteria for entitlement to individual unemployability.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD are both granted as service-connected, with the MDD being secondary to her already established PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and PTSD, is granted. The appeal to reopen the PTSD claim is dismissed as moot since all symptoms are already covered under the grant of service connection for depression.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as the evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD related to his in-service exposure, despite an initial VA examiner's opinion that he did not have PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU prior to December 15, 2020 are remanded due to a duty to assist error. The AOJ is instructed to obtain the Veteran's SSA records associated with his disability award.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, unspecified depressive disorder, and agoraphobia with panic disorder, is related to his deployment to Southwest Asia during the Gulf War. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone precludes him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claim for service connection for discogenic right sciatic radicular pain (partial paralysis right sciatic) as it was granted in a prior rating decision. Service connection was established for other conditions, including chronic sinusitis, PTSD, and various musculoskeletal issues, all presumed related to Southwest Asia service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of bilateral hearing loss and PTSD, as well as service connection for basal cell carcinoma residuals, are being remanded due to the need for further evaluation. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated as 100% disabling, but the Board finds that it does not meet the requirements for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to lack of qualifying conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD was previously rated at 50 percent prior to October 22, 2019. The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to this date.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to April 2, 2013. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for vertigo and PTSD, but has remanded the claim regarding a jaw condition due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective April 3, 2017. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since December 27, 2008. The Board has granted TDIU on both an extraschedular and schedular basis for the specified periods.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, IBS, OSA, and migraine headaches have been granted due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The appeal is successful in these areas.