PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, thus meeting the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The appeal is dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board cannot issue a decision on the underlying claim(s) at this time.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date prior to October 29, 2021, and a rating more than 70 percent for her acquired psychiatric condition.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date was granted by the May 2024 rating decision.

The Veteran's need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected PTSD is granted, as he requires assistance with medication management and personal hygiene.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disability, left shoulder condition, and hallux valgus deformity of the right foot are not related to service. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected.,His low back disability and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depression, anxiety) are denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the rating increase to 100 percent for PTSD is denied due to a lack of evidence demonstrating total occupational and social impairment during the year prior to September 24, 2020.,The claims for service connection for hypertension, OSA, erectile dysfunction, and tinnitus are remanded as insufficient development was performed.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for PTSD is remanded. The claims of service connection for a right shoulder disability, low back disability (claimed as low back pain), and migraine headaches are also remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to outstanding Vet Center treatment records and incomplete work history information. The AOJ must obtain updated VA Form 21-8940, income verification documents, and any relevant VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete opinions regarding service connection for PTSD and secondary service connection for tinnitus-related acquired psychiatric disorders. The Veteran's claim is reopened on new evidence, but further medical opinion is needed to address these issues.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and bone fractures were denied as there was no evidence of a current disability or service connection.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, including adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression, as well as posttraumatic stress disorder, is found to be due to his military service. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher level of special monthly compensation (SMC) at the 38 U.S.C. 1114(t) rate is denied because his TBI residuals do not require personal health-care services provided on a daily basis in the home by a person who is licensed to provide such services or who provides such services under the regular supervision of a licensed health-care professional.

The Board has denied a higher evaluation for PTSD and has remanded the claim of TDIU due to insufficient evidence being considered.

The appeal concerning the service connection claims for mental disorder (PTSD), headache disorder, and left ear hearing loss is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating throughout the appeal period.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD as there is no persuasive evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD in the record.

The Board found that the discontinuation of a separate 10 percent rating for residuals of TBI was proper and denied the Veteran's request to restore the previous rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates are inextricably intertwined with other issues on appeal and must be remanded. The AOJ is instructed to obtain a medical opinion regarding when the Veteran's service-connected disorders first manifested, readjudicate the 1981 claim, and readjudicate all of the herein issues on appeal.

Service connection for PTSD, persistent depressive disorder, and unspecified anxiety disorder is granted. Service connection for lower back condition and OSA are denied. The Veteran's claim for TDIU remains pending.