PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, DJD of the shoulders and knees, DDD of the lumbar spine, and bilateral radiculopathy, have rendered her incapable of providing basic care for herself. The Board has determined that she requires regular aid and attendance due to her physical and mental incapacities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and review of his claims, including the initial rating for PTSD with tobacco use disorder, unspecified cannabis related disorder, and unspecified opioid related disorder; TDIU prior to March 31, 2020; and DEA benefits prior to that date.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased evaluation and TDIU have been dismissed because the issues were already pending under a Higher Level Review option, which is not allowed concurrently.

The appeal for service connection for a low back disorder is dismissed.,The appeal for service connection for PTSD is dismissed.,A compensable rating for PTSD from August 21, 2018 to May 2, 2019 is denied.,Service connection for forgetfulness is denied.,Service connection for narcolepsy is denied.,Service connection for a right elbow disorder is denied.,Service connection for a left elbow disorder is denied.,Service connection for a right wrist disorder is denied.,Service connection for a left wrist disorder is denied.,Service connection for a right hip disorder is denied.,Service connection for a left hip disorder is denied.,Service connection for a headache disorder is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities prior to September 23, 2019 is denied as the evidence does not demonstrate he was unemployed or marginally employed due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient notice and clarification of reasons for denial, as well as legal adequacy issues. The Veteran's eligibility for PCAFC benefits will be reconsidered under appropriate criteria.

The appeal for an earlier effective date for PTSD is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from November 22, 2017 to November 3, 2019 and TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 70 percent for his acquired psychiatric disorder and a rating in excess of 30 percent for his bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show total occupational or social impairment, which is required for a higher rating.

The Veteran's hepatitis is denied as it was not caused by VA treatment.,The Veteran's low back disability, hypertension, heart disability and residual of stroke disability are all denied due to lack of service connection.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including schizoaffective disorder, alcohol use disorder, and PTSD, are granted as they are found to be related to his service. The conditions were diagnosed during service or within one year of discharge.

The Board has denied service connection for sleep apnea and remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, GAD, MDD, and a respiratory condition including asthma.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error, requiring additional medical opinions on whether fatigue is aggravated by service-connected obstructive sleep apnea and/or caused or aggravated by PTSD, heart conditions, and/or diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and lack of medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety. The claim will be further evaluated with a VA examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD with anxiety and depression, bilateral hearing loss, degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine with muscle spasms, cervical spine, left knee arthritis, right knee arthritis, and left lower extremity varicose veins are all granted. The service connection is determined to be direct.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for TDIU, increased rating for psychiatric disorder prior to June 27, 2022, and service connection for thyroid condition. The claims are dismissed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no credible evidence to support the claimed in-service stressors and thus not meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an increased rating of 70 percent from August 26, 2020 to July 13, 2022.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of April 16, 1980, for establishing service connection and assigning a 100 percent rating for PTSD. The decision found no clear and unmistakable error in the September 1982 rating decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's March 2021 Form 10182 was timely filed and will proceed with consideration of his claim. The Board also found that further development is needed to address whether sleep apnea was proximately caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability, specifically an acquired psychiatric disorder and rhinitis.