PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD, due to a lack of evidence showing the condition began during active service or is related to an in-service event.

The Veteran's radiculopathy, sciatic (right lower) is granted with a rating of 20 percent.,The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and PTSD are both remanded for further development.,Service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder is also remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted as service connection was established based on new and material evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, hypertension, a left-hand disability, and a neck disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service or any incident therein.

The Board has remanded both claims for further development and consideration, including the need for new VA examinations to address the Veteran's psychiatric and left foot disability claims.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, including adjustment disorder, PTSD, depression, and anxiety due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Veteran's lay contentions must be considered in making the determination.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected PTSD. The issue of SMC based on housebound status is dismissed as moot.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The claim is remanded due to incomplete VA examinations and private medical opinions.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective May 15, 2020 due to his service-connected disabilities. The effective date is tied to the date of his claim for service connection for hypothyroidism.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and TBI due to insufficient evidence regarding their existence or causation.

The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating.,The Veteran's testicular torsion is currently rated at noncompensable (0%), and he is already receiving maximum schedular rating for this condition.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD), and tension headaches due to insufficient evidence or inadequate examination opinions. The Veteran's claim for loss of teeth for compensation purposes remains denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim for prior to October 3, 2011 is denied due to the lack of meeting the schedular requirements.,On and after October 3, 2011, a TDIU was granted. Basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 on and after October 3, 2011 is established.,Effective dates prior to December 26, 2019, for the awards of ratings for lumbar spine osteoarthritis, right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy are remanded. The issues of effective dates are inextricably intertwined with the remanded issues.,The Veteran's need for aid and attendance or at the housebound rate is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension has been dismissed as the appeal period ended with a full award of benefits.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with dysthymia was denied due to symptoms not meeting criteria for a higher disability rating.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for traumatic brain injury was denied as the evidence did not support a finding that his TBI began during active service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches has been remanded.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD, finding the evidence did not support a causal relationship.,Service connection was also denied for a bilateral foot disability due to lack of relevant medical records and insufficient evidence linking the condition to service.

The Veteran's PTSD alone prevented him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation since September 24, 2018. The Board granted earlier effective dates for TDIU, DEA eligibility, and SMC based on the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a request for higher-level review of the March 2021 rating decision. The issues are related to earlier effective dates for TDIU, SMC and DEA, as well as CUE in the effective date previously assigned for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied in October 2016 due to lack of a diagnosed psychiatric disorder. New evidence submitted after the denial supports his claim, and the case is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since February 22, 2011. The Board found that the symptoms of passive suicidal ideation meet the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating.