PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, MDD, and GAD have been granted as they are all found to be related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (Parkinson's disease and PTSD) have rendered him unemployable, meeting the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as the evidence supports a finding that his current PTSD is at least as likely as not related to his service, specifically in-service personal assault.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and MDD has been denied. The Board finds that the Veteran meets the criteria for a 70 percent rating, but not higher.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a TDIU rating is denied as there was no pending unadjudicated claim and the previous decisions were final.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is remanded due to a duty to assist error. The AOJ must obtain SSA records and VA VistA treatment records.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to a withdrawal by the appellant's authorized representative.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD was dismissed due to a claims processing defect. The Board found that the August 2022 VA Form 10182 did not properly appeal previous rating decisions and is instead the result of an error in filing.

The Board has determined that the claim for service connection for OSA must be remanded due to a duty-to-assist error, specifically regarding an inadequate medical opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's OSA.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD with bipolar disorder was denied as her symptoms did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for a 70 percent rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder, finding that there was no evidence of worsening within the one-year look-back period prior to July 14, 2020.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating above 30 percent for PTSD is dismissed as moot because it was already adjudicated in a previous Board decision.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating above 10 percent for TBI during the review period (from October 20, 2020, through December 16, 2020) has been remanded for further development.

The Board has found that the Veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent. The appeal is remanded to determine if he is entitled to TDIU.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for all service connection claims, including bilateral limb cellulitis, residuals from a heat stroke, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), skin disability, right ankle disability, left leg and joint condition, right hip pain, right leg and joint condition, left hip limitation of extension, and linear scar on lateral aspect of left ankle.

The Veteran's PTSD with panic disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,TDIU prior to December 1, 2020, was denied as there is no evidence of total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to his active military service.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been found to meet the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating, effective June 4, 2020.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error and will obtain additional VA medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's current psychiatric disability is related to service. The issues include entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and adjustment disorder.

The Board has determined that the reduction in evaluation from 70 percent to 50 percent for PTSD was proper, and denied the claim for restoration of a 70 percent evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examination and duty-to-assist errors. The Veteran's PTSD, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, lumbosacral strain, migraine headaches, and bilateral shin splints are all under review.