PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating of 100 percent prior to October 23, 2017. The Board found that his symptoms were more closely aligned with a 70 percent disability rating. For TDIU, the Veteran met the schedular requirements as he had multiple service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent since the beginning of the appeal period, effective April 17, 2021.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is related to his active service and service connection for this condition is granted. The low back disability remains remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was granted, and he is now entitled to a 10% evaluation.,For the periods from May 2, 2018, to June 30, 2020, and beginning September 16, 2020, the Veteran's total disability rating based on individual unemployability was granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no evidence of a stressor related to his in-service experiences, and the diagnosis of PTSD did not meet the criteria set forth by the DSM-IV.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep disturbances, and hemorrhoids. The appeal for service connection of a sleep apnea is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance is remanded due to concerns about his mental acuity since a previous VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD results in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a disability rating of 100 percent. The Board also granted service connection for dislocated ribs but remanded the issue due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claims for service connection for TBI and PTSD with depression, but has remanded both issues due to insufficient rationale in the VA examination reports.

The Veteran's appeals for various conditions and disability ratings have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his appeal by his attorney.

The Veteran's PTSD with Adjustment Disorder, Depressed Mood, and Anxiety is being remanded for additional examination to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, along with other disabilities such as left knee instability and lumbosacral strain, rendered her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to March 12, 2020.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD, was denied because there is no current diagnosis of PTSD or other acquired mental disorder.,Service connection for right ear hearing loss was also denied due to the absence of a current disability. The Veteran does not have right ear hearing loss for VA purposes.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with persistent depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder, finding that the Veteran's mental health conditions are at least as likely as not due to his active service. The stressor incident involving discovering a friend's body after suicide is considered aggravation of these conditions by his now service-connected persistent depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support earlier effective dates or higher initial ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus with an effective date of April 1, 2019. The Veteran also received eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) and TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error and needs additional information about the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, particularly regarding PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an increased initial rating of 70 percent.,The Veteran is also granted a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.,Service connection for secondary headache disorder and obstructive sleep apnea to the Veteran's service-connected conditions have been established.

The Veteran's bilateral blepharospasm has been granted service connection. The Veteran's lumbar strain is denied a rating in excess of 20 percent.,Service connection for a psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, and an increased rating for PTSD are both remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety, is being remanded due to the need for a medical examination.