PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of December 17, 2010. The Board denied a request for an earlier effective date.

The Board has granted an effective date of December 18, 2019 for the award of a 50 percent rating for PTSD. The decision is based on evidence showing that the Veteran's symptoms increased in severity to meet or more nearly approximate the criteria for a 50 percent rating since December 18, 2019.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations of his arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome (low back pain), radiculopathy in the right lower extremity, and radiculopathy in the left lower extremity are dismissed.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including VA treatment records, private treatment records, and opinions regarding toxic exposure risk activities (TERA).

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD but denied service connection for other trauma- and stressor-related disorder. The Veteran was found to have PTSD, which is related to his fear of hostile military or terrorist activity during active service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased PTSD rating, TDIU effective date, and DEA benefits have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for TDIU, DEA eligibility, and SMC based on housebound status due to lack of evidence showing entitlement arose prior to April 11, 2010.

The Board has remanded the claims for muscle/joint pain, fatigue, chest pains/shortness of breath, and sleep disturbance due to service in the Persian Gulf. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions based on exposure to burning oil wells and toxic chemicals during his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on all five claims have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal in June 2020.

The Veteran's TBI rating is restored and increased to 70 percent effective October 26, 2020.,PTSD remains at a 70 percent rating. The Veteran's claim for a higher PTSD rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's diagnoses of PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, and Unspecified Adjustment Disorder are recognized, but the relationship between these conditions and his military service is unclear.

The Veteran's PTSD and alcohol use disorder resulted in reduced reliability and productivity for the period prior to January 25, 2019. The Board granted a disability rating of 50 percent for this period.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is rated at 70 percent, but the Board found that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating of 100 percent due to insufficient evidence of total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal for a 100 percent disability rating for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder prior to April 29, 2016, has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and he is granted a TDIU. Additionally, the Veteran meets the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate since December 13, 2019.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of PTSD with secondary alcohol abuse in remission and bipolar disorder has been dismissed as the claim is final due to the April 2024 Board decision.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on all listed conditions has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal prior to a final decision.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, effective October 30, 2019.

The Veteran's appeal for attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in the January 2024 Rating Decision is dismissed as the appellant withdrew his intent to contest the decision.