PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to June 15, 2020 is remanded due to an error in not referring the matter to the Director of Compensation Service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new vocational rehabilitation evaluation to determine if he is entitled to additional VR&E services, including pursuing a career in journalism. The current evaluations are insufficient and do not consider his specific interests and aptitudes.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone renders him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and work history, thus granting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding service connection for PTSD and heart condition, leading to their dismissal.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to a missed VA examination. The Board finds that the Veteran had good cause and should be rescheduled for a new examination.

The claims for service connection of a right knee disability, left ankle disability, and residuals of a head injury have been granted.,The claim for service connection of PTSD has been denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for PTSD, personal trauma, and mental disorders in a letter to the Board on April 26, 2024. As a result, the claim is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of posttraumatic stress disorder, persistent depressive disorder, traumatic brain injury, right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and migraine headaches were granted effective July 30, 2015. The claim for service connection of bronchitis was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability. Claims for cervical strain and rheumatoid arthritis are remanded due to duty to assist errors.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tension headaches, other specified trauma and stressor-related disorder, insomnia, and PTSD were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for tension headaches and concluded that there was no evidence of characteristic prostrating attacks. Service connection was granted for other specified trauma and stressor-related disorder based on her fear-based stressors related to service. Insomnia was linked to her service-connected other specified trauma and stressor-related disorder. The Veteran's PTSD claim was denied as she did not have a current diagnosis of the condition, and there was no link between her symptoms and in-service stressors. Service connection for sleep apnea was also denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective August 19, 2011. He also received a TDIU rating and eligibility for DEA benefits.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 50% since May 29, 2020. His Ulcerative Colitis remains at a 30% rating.

The Veteran's PTSD rating has been restored to 100 percent effective March 10, 2022. The ratings for instability of the right knee and left knee have also been restored.

The Board has found that the RO violated regulatory duty by not accepting prior favorable findings regarding the Veteran's diagnoses of PTSD and MDD without first establishing clear and unmistakable evidence to rebut these findings. The case is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's right knee instability is granted a 20 percent rating, but no higher. The Veteran's PTSD and right knee conditions are not rated above the current levels.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD was dismissed. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depressive disorder and as secondary to a service-connected condition, is granted but remanded for further examination.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran is also granted special monthly compensation due to the need for higher level aid and attendance related to his traumatic brain injury.

The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of PTSD and TDIU are granted, with the effective dates set back to October 2, 2019.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically his adjustment disorder and PTSD. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD is now rated at 70 percent effective August 10, 2023.,The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU.