PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that he satisfies both economic and non-economic components of a TDIU from November 9, 2017. However, the issue of entitlement to a TDIU on an extraschedular basis prior to November 9, 2017 is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for increased SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(p) and higher rate of SMC based on the need for a higher level of aid and attendance under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(2) is denied due to lack of eligibility for compensation at the maximum rate or intermediate rate authorized.

An effective date of January 1, 2022, is granted for a 70 percent rating for PTSD with depression.,An effective date of September 17, 2022, is granted for a 60 percent rating for IHD.,No earlier effective date is granted for the award of a 20 percent rating for bilateral hearing loss.,An effective date of January 11, 2010, but no earlier, is granted for service connection for a surgical scar associated with IHD.,An effective date earlier than August 10, 2022, is denied for service connection for hypertension.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for PTSD is remanded due to the need to obtain inpatient treatment records from April 2017.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hearing loss and TBI are both remanded as VA has not made reasonable efforts to obtain relevant medical records.

The Board dismissed the claims for a compensable rating for fifth metacarpal fracture and TDIU, as well as the request for an increased rating for PTSD and TBI. The Veteran's PTSD and TBI resulted in total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's back disability is granted as service-connected, and a rating of at least 40 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy from April 21, 2020 is granted. The Veteran's PTSD claim remains pending due to the need for additional examination.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board grants a TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder and PTSD are currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher evaluation is not warranted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and low back strain with sciatica are being remanded due to the need for updated treatment records, a new VA examination, and clarification of whether the Veteran intends to file an unemployability claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, and the criteria for a TDIU were not met.

The Veteran's claim for right ear hearing loss has been dismissed as the Regional Office granted it.,Left ear hearing loss is denied due to lack of current disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling VA examinations, and obtaining authorization from non-VA providers.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, anxiety, and depression as the evidence did not establish an in-service event, disease, or injury that was not the result of the Veteran's willful misconduct.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, adjustment disorder, major depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder, is reopened. The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to August 14, 2017.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks, warranting a 30 percent rating.,There is no evidence of frostbite or its residuals during service or post-service. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for hearing loss for VA purposes.,The Board remanded the claim for service connection for back condition due to insufficient medical opinion regarding etiology.,TDIU was also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the back disability issue.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD is remanded due to the need for an updated VA examination and consideration of outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, depression, and TBI secondary to service-connected disabilities have been granted. However, the rating in excess of 50 percent for migraine headaches and a compensable rating for residual scar from cervical surgery remain denied.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to May 22, 2014 is denied. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for sleep apnea due to insufficient evidence addressing aggravation.

A 70 percent disability rating for service-connected PTSD is granted effective July 20, 2011. Service connection for a sleep disability and a psychiatric disability other than PTSD are denied. Service connection for a circulatory condition is granted effective July 20, 2011. Effective July 20, 2011, the appeal for TDIU is granted.