PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), RLE peripheral neuropathy, LLE peripheral neuropathy, RUE peripheral neuropathy, and LUE peripheral neuropathy due to new and relevant evidence received since the July 2019 rating decision.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent disability rating from April 25, 2016 to February 21, 2017.,A higher rating is not warranted at any time during the appeal period.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, anxiety, and bipolar disorder with other trauma and stressor related disorder, are found to be at least as likely as not caused by an in-service event or injury. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 70 percent for PTSD with depressive disorder was denied.,An effective date of January 24, 2020, was granted for the grant of individual unemployability.,An earlier effective date of January 24, 2020, was also granted for eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. chapter 35.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other trauma related stress disorder, is at least as likely as not caused by his service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the maximum rating available under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The decision also granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating and additional special monthly compensation (SMC) for PTSD is remanded due to the AOJ not having obtained a retrospective medical opinion as requested in the August 2023 Board decision. The AOJ needs to schedule an appropriate retrospective VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD, an initial rating for other specified trauma and stressor related disorder, and entitlement to TDIU due to inadequate VA examinations and duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, should be remanded due to inadequate examination reports and need for further medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for Traumatic Brain Injury, but the issue of service connection for Acquired Psychiatric Disorder is remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has granted an effective date of November 22, 2019 for SMC based on aid and attendance due to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD. The evidence shows that the Veteran requires assistance in performing activities of daily living and is unable to protect himself from hazards due to his PTSD.

The Veteran's TDIU and DEA eligibility are granted with an effective date of June 3, 2017.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, which was caused by his service-connected mental disabilities. As a result, the appellant's claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is moot and dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating. The TDIU claim is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone at least as likely as not prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to April 21, 2021. Therefore, the claim for TDIU is granted.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of PTSD and MDD due to new evidence. The Veteran's psychiatric disabilities are found to be related to his military service, including his MOS in mortuary services.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) prior to February 1, 2002 was denied. The effective date of the TDIU award is set at February 1, 2002.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified depressive disorder and PTSD. The matter is being returned for further development.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for an increased rating of PTSD, and the Board has dismissed this issue.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has remanded the case for further development regarding a higher rating.