PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection, rating higher than 20 percent for right arm/shoulder disability, and a rating higher than 50 percent for PTSD due to outstanding VA treatment records. The claim for obstructive sleep apnea is also remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected due to the occurrence of a qualifying event during active duty, and supported by credible evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder was denied, as the evidence did not show an increase in disability within one year of his initial grant of service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial rating of 50 percent, but no higher. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms result in reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a rating in excess of 10 percent for her left knee disability, finding no current diagnosis of PTSD and insufficient evidence to support an increased rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU. The need for aid and attendance is also remanded due to the absence of an examination.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, and the Veteran's reports of in-service stressors align with how PTSD typically develops.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of December 17, 2019 for the grant of service connection for PTSD is granted. The Board finds that the earliest day the most probative evidence documents a DSM diagnosis of PTSD and consequently, met all the service connection requirements for PTSD under 38 C.F.R. § 3.304(f).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for plantar fasciitis of the left foot was denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability and concluded that there is not an approximate balance in the weight of the evidence.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating of 10 percent for irritable bowel syndrome was granted, with the effective date being March 6, 2020.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for PTSD, anxiety, and depression due to insufficient competent medical evidence. A VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's initial claim for service-connected PTSD with alcohol use disorder was denied, and his ratings for cervical spine disability were also denied. The Veteran received a TDIU effective February 3, 2013, and SMC was granted as of that date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, DM, and diabetic neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since June 25, 2020. The effective date for TDIU is granted as of that date.

The Veteran's appeal of her claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD and MDD, has been withdrawn by her authorized representative. As a result, the Board is dismissing the appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance due to service-connected disability, finding that his condition does not meet the criteria as he is able to perform daily activities with assistance when needed.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms more nearly approximate the criteria for a 70 percent rating, warranting an increased rating.,Service connection for lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) and degenerative arthritis is remanded due to insufficient evidence in the record.,The Veteran's current employment status does not affect his entitlement to service connection for DDD and degenerative arthritis.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. The claim for a left upper extremity condition remains denied.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no service connection issues were addressed.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for ratings in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, and for ratings in excess of 20 percent for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities. The appeal was dismissed without prejudice.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded for further development, including obtaining SSA medical records and referring the case to the Director, Compensation Service for an extraschedular determination prior to March 18, 2019.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective October 23, 2017. Effective the same date, he was granted TDIU and basic eligibility for DEA benefits.