PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's PTSD was previously rated at 50 percent prior to November 8, 2023. From that date onwards, the rating has been increased to 70 percent.,However, the evidence does not support a higher rating in either period.

The Board has received new evidence since the last decision in February 2020 and has offered the Veteran an opportunity to waive AOJ review. The case is now remanded for further consideration of this evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to June 20, 2018, did not meet the criteria for a higher initial disability rating than 50 percent.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, finding that the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors did not actually occur. The Board granted service connection for depression/MDD based on credible evidence of record.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which does not meet the criteria for an increased rating. The Board found that his symptoms are more closely approximating a 70 percent disability rating.

The Board has granted entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, which leave him in need of regular assistance.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder is denied. The evidence does not show that the Veteran's current diagnoses began during service or are related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,For the period prior to March 9, 2020, the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent for PTSD with mild neurocognitive disorder and severe alcohol use disorder and TBI are not met. For the period from March 9, 2020, to August 29, 2022, the criteria for a 70 percent rating are met.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection, but an initial rating in excess of 50 percent prior to February 16, 2019, and a 70 percent rating from that date until April 21, 2020, were denied. The effective date for the grant of service connection remains June 12, 2018.

The Board has granted a TDIU effective August 1, 2010, finding that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD with traumatic brain injury prevented her from obtaining or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and evaluation due to outdated treatment records and examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records from the Veteran's West Springfield Vet Center, specifically for mental health treatment notes related to PTSD. The VA is required to obtain these records as part of their duty to assist.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for the period prior to March 22, 2022.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates have been remanded due to the need for further development.,Service connection has been granted for a back disability.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and denied service connection for bilateral hip, shoulder, ankle, and foot conditions. The Veteran's PTSD is linked to his in-service exposure to traumatic stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD with substance abuse disorder is rated at 70 percent, but no higher, and a TDIU from October 8, 2015, to March [REDACTED], 2020, is granted.

The Veteran's initial 50 percent rating for migraines is granted. The Board has found that more development is needed for the PTSD with TBI and psychomotor epilepsy claims.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased rating of PTSD, service connection for back disability, and service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Board dismissed these claims as a result.

The Veteran's application for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD was denied. The claims for service connection for bilateral fingers crush injury residuals, thoracolumbar spine disorder, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, kidney disease, urinary incontinence, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus were all denied. Service connection for hypertension was granted based on the PACT Act.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, family relationships, thinking, and mood. The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 70 percent for PTSD effective August 5, 2009.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD, sleep apnea, a right hand small finger laceration, and tinnitus due to new evidence submitted since the February 2014 rating decision. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is withdrawn.