PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for tinnitus was denied as he is already receiving the maximum schedular rating. The TDIU claim was also denied due to lack of evidence showing that the Veteran is unemployable by reason of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with alcohol use disorder and unspecified depressive disorder, as well as his TDIU application, are both granted effective July 21, 2020. The effective date is the earliest possible given that he continuously pursued his claims since filing his September 2020 Supplemental Claim.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities starting from April 12, 2021.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified depressive disorder with PTSD is granted an initial rating of 70 percent effective August 3, 2012. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU due to the service-connected condition remains pending.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable (zero percent) due to the presence of a nonservice-connected right ear with Level I hearing acuity.,There is no evidence of current right ear hearing loss for VA purposes, and thus service connection for right ear hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's appeals for allergic rhinitis, left ear hearing loss, hypertension, and PTSD were all denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating in any of these cases.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right shin splints, left shin splints, bilateral hearing loss, and PTSD have been denied.,The Board found that the Veteran does not currently suffer from these conditions and there is no evidence linking them to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected, with the Board finding a current diagnosis and connection to an in-service stressor.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and hypothyroidism, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted the TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is denied a compensable rating. Service connection for PTSD, anxiety disorder, pelvis cancer, spinal cancer, prostate cancer, hepatitis C, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, ED, and liver condition are all denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100% disability rating, effective from June 21, 2022.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for diabetes, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and certificates of eligibility for SAH and SHA grant is dismissed.,A rating of 100 percent for service-connected PTSD, effective August 18, 2020, is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and hypothyroidism, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted the TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's claims for travel expenses reimbursement were denied because they were not filed within the required 30-day period after completing travel, despite a three-year hiatus in the filing deadline. The Veteran was unaware of this requirement and provided an exception based on his limited internet access.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to duty-to-assist errors and a need for further examination.

The Board has denied service connection for PTSD due to the lack of verified in-service stressors. The claim for other specified depressive disorder is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD and lumbar spine disability. The effective date of this grant is February 16, 2023, which is the latest between the date of claim and when both conditions were service connected.

Service connection for headaches is denied.,An earlier effective date of November 13, 2018, for an increased disability rating of 70 percent for the psychiatric disability (PTSD with depressive disorder and insomnia) is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service-connection for PTSD is denied because the earliest effective date that may be assigned is June 20, 2021.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, PTSD, right foot disability, left foot disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, right shoulder disability, and low back disability. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and active service.