PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's disability ratings for compression fracture of T12/L1 and PTSD with traumatic brain injury (claimed as anxiety disorder) have been restored to their previous levels.,An increased disability rating for lumbar radiculopathy, left lower extremity, and degenerative disc disease, cervical spine, is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as they were consistent with a 70% disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of a 70% disability rating for PTSD with panic disorder has been granted, effective October 25, 2021. The Board found that the evidence demonstrated that his depressive disorder more closely approximated the criteria for such a rating prior to this date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with MDD was granted in August 2022, and the effective date is set at June 2, 2022.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for anxiety disorder, depression, and PTSD have been granted. The ratings for his back and right elbow disabilities have also been restored. However, the Veteran's claims for service connection for depressive disorder, PTSD, asthma, left knee disability, and impairment of supination and pronation of the right elbow remain pending and need further evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at the maximum disability rating of 100 percent. Service connection for GERD, upper back disability, right ankle sprain, left ankle sprain, and lumbosacral strain are denied.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to November 7, 2022, for a 70 percent rating for PTSD is denied. The Board also found that the issue of entitlement to TDIU was not properly developed or adjudicated by the AOJ and remanded it.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and anxiety, has been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding increased ratings for PTSD, left calcaneal fracture residuals, and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. Additionally, a TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting employment reports and a need for clarification of the Veteran's work history. The Veteran is asked to complete a VA Form 21-8940 to provide accurate information regarding his employment status.

The Veteran's appeal regarding an earlier effective date and a higher initial rating for PTSD has been dismissed as the RO merely implemented the Board's decision.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, was rated at 70 percent effective August 5, 2020. The effective date for the TDIU rating is also set to this date.

The Veteran's claim for higher rates of Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) has been granted effective February 5, 2013. He is now entitled to SMC at the rate provided under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(o), and an additional allowance of SMC at the rate provided under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(1).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression is granted. The left ankle disability claim is remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding whether it is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by the service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The effective date for the award of a 100 percent schedular rating for PTSD is denied as it should be prior to October 4, 2018. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating in excess of 10 percent prior to that date remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and migraine headaches rendered her unable to perform the tasks required of substantially gainful employment from July 11, 2005 to July 1, 2011.

The Board remands the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected PTSD due to undetermined severity and overlapping symptoms with neurocognitive disorders.

The Board granted service connection for a psychiatric disorder (depression) and remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus for further development.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder prior to April 26, 2023, and denied an evaluation in excess of 70 percent beginning April 26, 2023. However, the Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability beginning April 26, 2023.

The Board has remanded the case due to concerns about obtaining inpatient records from September 1988 and addressing the relationship between service-connected lumbar spine disability and mental health disabilities.