PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.,The Veteran's tension headaches are currently rated at 50 percent, and no higher rating is warranted under the current criteria.,The Veteran's TBI residuals with vertigo are currently rated at 10 percent. A remand is required to determine if a higher rating could be assigned based on the severity of the vertigo.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion and clarifying the Veteran's claims. The issues of service connection for various conditions are also pending.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, DDD of the lumbar spine, and fibromyalgia have been granted effective as October 4, 2012.

The Board has granted the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his service-connected PTSD contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Board denied service connection for unspecified anxiety disorder (claimed as posttraumatic stress disorder), hypertension, gout, right knee degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative arthritis, sleep apnea, lower back DJD, neck disorder with pain and numbness down the hands, and COPD. The cases are remanded for further examination and opinion regarding these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation during the period from December 1, 2015 to July 26, 2018. Therefore, entitlement to TDIU for this period is denied.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for the Veteran's PTSD prior to July 22, 2020, based on symptoms of avoidance behaviors, hypervigilance, and numbing symptoms that impacted his ability to establish and maintain effective social relationships.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD and OCD is remanded due to inadequate examination findings. The Board requires a new psychiatric examination to determine the nature, onset, and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30% before November 21, 2022. The VA granted an earlier effective date of November 21, 2022 for the increased 70 percent rating for PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD and depressive disorder. The evidence did not support a current diagnosis of any acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board has granted an effective date of March 18, 2005 for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU). The Veteran's TDIU claim was reopened due to new and material evidence submitted in May 2007.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied in February 2018, but the Board finds no new and relevant evidence to warrant readjudication.,Service connection for migraines is granted. The Veteran's medical records confirm a diagnosis of migraine headaches, which he asserts began during his deployment to Southwest Asia. A private clinician opines that the Veteran's migraines are at least as likely as not related to his service exposure.,The effective date for PTSD is denied as it was received on April 24, 2019, after a Supplemental Claim was filed in June 2019. The Board finds no earlier effective date due to the timing of the claim and receipt of evidence.,Service connection for sleep apnea is granted with an initial 30% rating from June 4, 2019. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating was denied in January 2020 but later increased to 50%. The Board finds no earlier effective date due to the timing of the claims and receipt of evidence.,Service connection for fatigue (including chronic fatigue syndrome) is remanded as new evidence has not been received since an unappealed February 2018 rating decision.,Service connection for gastrointestinal symptoms (including irritable bowel syndrome) is remanded as new evidence has not been received since an unappealed February 2018 rating decision.,Service connection for left ankle disability is remanded as new evidence has not been received since an unappealed February 2018 rating decision.,Service connection for right foot disability is remanded as new evidence has not been received since an unappealed February 2018 rating decision.,Service connection for left foot disability is remanded as new evidence has not been received since an unappealed February 2018 rating decision.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is related to his military service.,The Veteran's neck disability is related to his military service.,The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy is related to his military service.,The Veteran's low back disability is aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for restoration of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on statutory housebound status is denied as he does not meet the criteria to establish SMC at the statutory housebound rate.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to PTSD was denied. The effective date of the 100% disability rating for PTSD is set at August 18, 2020.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service personnel records and the need to verify in-service stressors related to PTSD. The Veteran's claim for service connection is pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is related to his military service in the Gulf War. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a lower back disability, PTSD, and left knee disability due to incomplete service treatment records. The VA will attempt to obtain these records from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC).

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD, tinnitus, low back pain and dysfunction, right knee pain and dysfunction, and depressive disorder due to another medical condition. The Veteran's claims are being returned for further development.