PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression), and sleep apnea. The appeals are remanded to obtain medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 100 percent effective February 20, 2021. Prior to that date, the rating was 70 percent.

The Board has found inconsistencies and deficiencies in the Veteran's employment history, particularly regarding his work dates and compensation received. The matter is being remanded to request an updated VA Form 21-8940 and schedule a VA mental health examination.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of PTSD and service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease has been remanded due to the need for further review.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 70 percent rating, effective from the date of this decision. The Veteran also has been granted TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an increased level of SMC was denied as he does not meet the criteria for any of the available rates under VA regulations.

The Veteran's PTSD claim is remanded for a new examination to assess current severity and functional impact. His stomach and kidney conditions are also remanded for examinations and opinions.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral eye disability and PTSD, but has remanded the issue of left knee disability due to potential secondary or aggravation by a service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the claim for entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected PTSD. The Veteran's employment history needs clarification, and all available service personnel records should be associated with the electronic claims file.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD disability, standing alone, prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to September 9, 2022.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right shoulder disability and an acquired psychiatric condition on a direct basis due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a PTSD rating is denied as the evidence does not support awarding an earlier effective date.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for sleep apnea is denied as there is no evidence of an earlier formal or informal claim prior to May 16, 2017.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for uveal melanoma and metastatic melanoma are remanded due to the need for additional development regarding etiology.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for uveal melanoma and metastatic melanoma are also remanded as there is no opinion on the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective February 16, 2012. The claim for this award was received on that date.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder and PTSD, is remanded due to a scheduling issue with the VA examination.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD with depressive disorder and TBI, finding that the Veteran's symptoms more closely approximate a 70 percent disability rating.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and a higher rating in excess of this has been denied.

The Board denied special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound due to service-connected disabilities, as there was no evidence that these conditions rendered the Veteran permanently bedridden, permanently housebound, or required regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 50% since November 17, 2016. From December 12, 2017, the rating has been increased to 70%. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms more closely approximated a 70% rating.