PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for compliance with a previous June 2022 remand order, which included scheduling a VA psychiatric examination and nexus opinion. The Veteran was not provided with the correct address information by VA, leading to his cancellation of the November 2022 appointment.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial evaluation of 70 percent, effective December 28, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder not otherwise specified prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantial gainful employment, leading to a TDIU being granted. The Board also found that there were issues with service connection for various knee and ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD have been granted increased ratings, with the effective date beginning May 13, 2015. A higher rating of 70% has also been granted for his conditions starting December 20, 2019. The Veteran is now eligible for SMC due to his service-connected disabilities and Meniere's disease. TDIU based solely on PTSD prior to December 20, 2019, was not warranted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric conditions and their relationship to service. The VA examiner did not identify all psychological disabilities present during the appeal period, nor could they determine if any of these conditions were related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD disability is now rated at 100% effective June 10, 2010. DEA benefits are granted effective March 15, 2005. SMC for Aid and Attendance is granted effective March 15, 2005.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the claim for an earlier effective date of May 30, 2002, was granted.,For deviated nasal septum, a higher rating is not warranted as it has already reached its maximum schedular rating.

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder were granted a disability rating of 70 percent, effective February 17, 2021.

The Veteran's PTSD and insomnia have been rated, but the claim for higher ratings remains in controversy. The rating decision denied increased ratings for PTSD and residuals of a left ring finger fracture.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was reopened, as new evidence shows he has a current diagnosis of unspecified depressive disorder, unspecified schizophrenia, other psychotic disorder, major neurocognitive disorder secondary to TBI/gunshot wound to the head, substance abuse disorder, and PTSD.,The Veteran's right elbow disability was reopened, as new evidence suggests it may be related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a disability rating of 100 percent for the entire appeal period, due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new VA examination. The claims file was updated with recent treatment records, and the Veteran was asked to provide a new VA Form 21-8940 and release of medical information.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and COPD, as they are related to his service-connected PTSD. The VA examination was conducted but no medical opinion was provided.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse and cannabis use is currently rated at 50 percent prior to January 10, 2022, and denied for a higher rating. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have not met the criteria for a higher disability rating.,From January 10, 2022, the Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse and cannabis use is rated at 70 percent and remains denied for a higher rating. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms continue to meet the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, finding that her current mental health problems are due to her military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for OSA as secondary to PTSD and for a TDIU prior to April 5, 2022 due to insufficient medical opinions. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD and MDD was denied, while her TDIU claim is remanded due to incomplete records.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and alcohol use disorder prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since December 2, 2020. Service connection for alcohol use disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for a 70 percent rating for PTSD is denied, and the claim for a higher disability rating for PTSD remains denied.

The Veteran's TDIU is granted from November 1, 2017 through May 6, 2022. The Board finds remand necessary for a Sharp compliant examination and opinion regarding the back disability, as well as an assessment of functional ankylosis. Additionally, SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound is also remanded.