PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Board has found that the reduction of the Veteran's PTSD rating from 70 percent to 50 percent was improper and has restored the 70 percent rating. The issue of an increased rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine and in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder with PTSD have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of her appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is granted as it was caused by his service-connected PTSD, back disability with lower extremity radiculopathy and skin condition. The Veteran's claims for increased rating for PTSD, TDIU, and DEA benefits are dismissed as moot due to the maximum schedular ratings being assigned.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective from June 26, 2018. She also received a TDIU and SMC based on housebound status from December 1, 2019.

The Board has remanded the case due to pending issues regarding earlier effective dates for service connection and a claim for substitution. The appellant is seeking benefits on behalf of her deceased husband, who had claims pending at the time of his death.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating of PTSD with major depressive disorder was denied as the disability most nearly approximates the current 70 percent evaluation, which is appropriate given his symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was granted in September 2018, with a 100% disability rating effective November 10, 2014. The appeal is denied as to the direct payment of attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in the September 2018 rating decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative changes of the left talus bone and PTSD have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran's ankle disability did not meet criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent, while his PTSD met criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with bipolar I disorder in full remission prior to September 26, 2023, and in excess of 70 percent thereafter has been dismissed as the Veteran opted into the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) review system.

The Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar spine IVDS and degenerative arthritis, right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, femoral radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, and PTSD with dysthymia have been granted. The Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar spine IVDS and degenerative arthritis are rated at 40 percent from March 17, 2020.

The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation (SMC) other than based on the loss of use of a creative organ was denied as he does not meet the criteria for SMC due to lack of need for aid and attendance or permanent housebound status.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has denied a higher rating as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed as she has withdrawn her appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to an error in not addressing the Veteran's in-service stressors, which were that he was subjected to racial epithets and held down below deck. The case is now being remanded for further verification of these stressors.

The Board denied SMC based on housebound status for the period from December 11, 2015 due to lack of substantial confinement to the home and inability to meet the criteria for permanent housebound status.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, increased rating for left knee limitation of flexion, and initial compensable disability rating for hypertension are remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, which represents the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The Board found that his symptoms do not more closely approximate a higher disability level.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a disability rating of 70 percent, effective from January 29, 2020. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms warranted this higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has remanded the cases of PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder for further development due to newly obtained VA treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions regarding service connection for PTSD and depression, which may be related to a right knee disability. The Veteran's statements about his depression are not considered in the current opinions.