PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of December 1, 2017. The Board found that the earliest possible effective date is the date of receipt of the initial claim (December 1, 2017) or the date entitlement arose, whichever is later.

The Board dismissed the appeals regarding proposed reductions in ratings for PTSD and a lumbar spine disability because no final decision had been made by the AOJ.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates for the awards of Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA), but the Veteran's appeal seeking earlier effective dates is dismissed as moot due to the full grant of benefits in a previous decision.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to April 19, 2021, resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. The Board granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD effective from the date of service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD with polysubstance dependence and TBI resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas prior to December 1, 2019. From December 1, 2019, to July 5, 2021, the impairment did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. Beginning September 1, 2021, the impairment continued without meeting the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with credibility of statements and assessments, particularly regarding the Veteran's self-reported PTSD symptoms. The appellant's account is being reviewed against the Veteran's own accounts and VA examiners' reports.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of compliance with previous instructions and for further examination. The Veteran's claim is related to her service in the Persian Gulf War, including potential MST exposure.

The Board has remanded the claims for headaches, PTSD with depression and alcohol use disorder, and TDIU due to procedural issues.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD related to military sexual trauma, is found to be related to his active service. His hypertension is also being examined as it may be secondary to his psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease renders him so helpless as to need regular aid and attendance, qualifying for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, earlier effective dates, and disability ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD and SMC at the housebound rate effective November 1, 2023.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD, severe alcohol use disorder, and severe cannabis use disorder. The decision states that the Veteran has not met the evidentiary burden to show he is unemployable due to these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and insufficient medical opinions regarding his psychiatric, neuropathy, and balance issues.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating, TDIU, and SMC due to a lack of evidence showing total social and occupational impairment.

The Board has found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from working, but additional evidence is needed to determine his ability to maintain gainful employment due to these conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to the Board's decision, leaving no issues for review.

The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his posttraumatic stress disorder and alcohol abuse disorder contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Board has determined that the VA examination provided was incomplete, as it did not address both causation and aggravation aspects of secondary service connection. The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea on a secondary basis to service-connected PTSD and GERD is remanded for further development.

The Board remands the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder, for a new VA medical opinion.