PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD is granted at a 70 percent level, effective May 28, 2004. A TDIU is also granted as of the same date. The effective date for dependent's educational assistance (DEA) is also set to May 28, 2004.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, primarily anxiety disorder and PTSD, is rated at 50 percent prior to January 9, 2014, but the Board denied a higher rating in excess of 50 percent from that date.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a right shoulder disability, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The claims are being reopened as they include new and material evidence.

The Veteran's SMC claim for aid and attendance is granted. The diabetes rating appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and degenerative arthritis of the spine) have prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantial employment consistent with his educational background and work history. Therefore, a Total Disability Rating based on Individual Unemployability for the period beginning August 22, 2008 is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is supported by his in-service stressor and medical evidence.

The Board has granted the appeal regarding the timeliness of the substantive appeal to the June 2015 rating decision finding the Veteran sane at the time of service separation. The issue of the Veteran's sanity at the time of service will be addressed in a separate Board Legacy decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development and referral for extra-schedular TDIU consideration prior to April 14, 2021. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are expected to impact his ability to work.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU is denied. The Veteran does not qualify for DEA benefits prior to his current effective date of March 25, 2019. SMC based on housebound criteria was granted as of that same date.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for basic eligibility to DEA benefits is denied. The Veteran did not meet the criteria at the time of his TDIU award and thus cannot qualify for DEA benefits prior to March 25, 2019.,SMC based on housebound criteria was granted as of March 25, 2019.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating and TDIU prior to April 15, 2021 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show more severe symptoms warranting a higher rating at any point during the period on appeal.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating determinations due to a withdrawal request by the appellant.

The Veteran's appeal for agent fees was denied because the issues of increased rating for PTSD and TDIU were not on appeal, as they were part of a new claim filed in December 2020.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to a pre-decisional error in fulfilling the duty to assist. Specifically, a medical opinion is needed regarding whether the Appellant was insane at the time of his discharge.

The Board dismissed the appeals for effective dates prior to specific dates due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was granted with an effective date of July 1, 2019. The Board denied a request for an earlier effective date based on the lack of evidence indicating the Veteran intended to file a claim prior to his Intent to File form.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes, PTSD prior to February 12, 2013, and depression have been granted. However, the Board must now reconsider these decisions due to newly received service department records.,Service connection for diabetes is being remanded because new evidence shows that the Veteran served in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for unspecified trauma and mood disorder, and service connection for PTSD due to MST are remanded due to inadequate VA examination and failure to provide a personal assault notification letter.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder. The Veteran is required to undergo a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including unspecified depressive disorder and PTSD, is related to his military service. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's need for regular assistance of another person with very basic necessities of his daily living has been established, leading to the grant of special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.