PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with alcohol use disorder is denied. The Board also remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's full VA disability compensation benefits were restored effective September 30, 2021, after she was released from incarceration on an ankle monitor.

The Board found that the Veteran's combined disability rating was 90 percent from March 10, 2021 to June 14, 2021 and denied a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance and housebound status due to insufficient evidence regarding his need for regular aid and assistance. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, the maximum rating available under the General Formula for Mental Disorders. The evidence does not support a higher rating as it did not demonstrate total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that there was a duty to assist error and remands the case for an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and his obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for the service-connected psychiatric disability from June 30, 2015, is denied. The appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to June 30, 2015, is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have precluded substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's mental health condition, previously rated as PTSD, has been restored to a 70% rating effective August 2, 2019. The issue of an increased rating for the same condition is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder have been rated at 100% effective April 13, 2010. He also received a 30% rating for allergic rhinitis effective March 29, 2019, SMC at the housebound rate effective April 13, 2010, and TDIU effective April 13, 2010.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal for the initial evaluation of cicatricial pemphigoid of the gums and an increased evaluation for PTSD with major depressive disorder. The appeal is dismissed as a result.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD is denied.,Service connection for OSA is remanded due to incomplete records.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 70% disability rating effective January 12, 2021. The right upper extremity radiculopathy and left upper extremity radiculopathy were each granted increased ratings of 20% prior to July 29, 2021, and greater than 40% and 30%, respectively, after that date. A TDIU was granted effective February 1, 2014, and DEA benefits since then.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and anxiety condition related to non-PTSD personal trauma, finding no clear and unmistakable error in the March 2015 rating decision.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD was denied as no communication prior to January 13, 2014, reasonably can be interpreted as a request for this benefit.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for service-connected PTSD has been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of this issue.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board denied an increased rating. The Veteran also sought a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD, which was denied.

The Board has found that the Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder warrants a 70 percent disability rating, but not higher. The case is being remanded to obtain VA treatment records from outside providers that may support a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and found that the Veteran's current PTSD is related to an in-service stressor. The claim for obstructive sleep apnea was not within one year of the Notice of Disagreement, so it is not before the Board.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder is denied. The effective date remains October 24, 2019.