PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. The decision is based on a finding that his current symptoms are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, diabetes mellitus II, and tinnitus prevented him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to October 22, 2012. The Board granted the TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate and TBI as it was granted in a previous decision.

The Veteran's appeal for increased disability ratings and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is remanded due to the need for further consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran died due to a gunshot wound, hemorrhagic shock, and damage to major vascular structures in the chest. The cause of death was listed as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but there is uncertainty about whether this condition is related to service-connected adjustment disorder or if it should be considered a separate issue.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to in-service stressors and affording him the benefit of doubt.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and other conditions, are found to be related to his service-connected disabilities. Service connection is granted for these conditions as secondary to a service-connected disability. The issue of TDIU prior to April 2, 2019, remains pending.

Total disability due to individual unemployability is granted effective April 16, 2019 and from June 11, 2020 onward.,TDIU prior to April 16, 2019 and from December 1, 2019 to June 10, 2020 is remanded due to service-connected disabilities on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder is granted a 100 percent schedular rating effective May 26, 2015.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder other than posttraumatic stress disorder before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's appeal of the rating assigned to his service-connected PTSD arose from his April 2011 claim to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD. The effective date for a 70 percent rating for PTSD is granted as of April 19, 2011.,The Veteran's appeal of entitlement to a TDIU was part and parcel of his appeal of the rating assigned to his service-connected PTSD. The effective date for a TDIU is granted as of April 19, 2011.,Service connection for COPD is remanded due to insufficient evidence in the record.,The Veteran's bibasilar atelectasis is rated at 60 percent and the appeal for an increased rating is remanded.,The cause of death (coronary artery disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is remanded as there are insufficient opinions regarding the relationship to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as it meets the criteria for service connection based on a diagnosed condition, a link to an in-service stressor, and credible supporting evidence of the stressor.

The Veteran requested an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD, which was initially granted in April 2018. The RO assigned a July 20, 2017 effective date, but the Veteran wanted it to go back to his original claim filed in December 2001. The Board has now determined that this issue remains in appellate status and requires further action.

The Veteran's initial compensable ratings for left inguinal hernia and scar have been denied. The Board has also remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, left shoulder strain, and PFB.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for PTSD was denied, and the TDIU claims were granted but with specific effective dates.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development regarding his claim of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and insomnia disorder, is granted as service-connected.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied due to lack of current evidence meeting VA compensation criteria.,Service connection for bronchitis/reactive airway disease is remanded for further review.,Service connection for a low back disability is remanded for further review.,Service connection for a left knee disability is remanded for further review.,Service connection for a right knee disability is remanded for further review.,Service connection for a left foot disability is remanded for further review.,Service connection for a right foot disability is remanded for further review.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are less severe than what would be required for total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing personnel records and unverified stressors, as well as the need for new examinations to determine service connection for acquired psychiatric disability and PID.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and consideration of new evidence.