PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD with TBI was granted an initial rating of 70 percent prior to September 4, 2020. A separate 10 percent rating for TBI residuals was also granted. The Veteran's PTSD with TBI is now rated as higher than 50 percent after September 4, 2020. Other issues related to service connection were remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a relationship between his current conditions and his military service.

An effective date of August 23, 2005 for the grant of service connection for PTSD is granted. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and other foot conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since October 20, 2006. The Board has granted a TDIU effective from that date.

The Veteran's PTSD and related conditions are being remanded for further evaluation due to the lack of recent medical examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and alcohol use disorder, was denied as there is no evidence of a current in-service event or injury that led to these conditions. The Board found the Veteran's claims were based on secondary service connection due to his asthma, but since he does not have a currently service-connected asthma, this claim cannot be granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and bilateral knee disorders, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and residuals of right ankle sprain are being remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence and examinations.

PTSD and diabetes mellitus type 2 increased ratings are denied.,Peripheral neuropathy claims for the lower extremities are denied as no claim was filed prior to September 10, 2018.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD due to MST, is denied. The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of an in-service stressor and the VA examiner opined that any mental health treatment providers likely made a diagnosis in error.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD due to MST, is also denied. The Board found that there was no credible supporting evidence corroborating the alleged MST.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU as his service-connected PTSD did not render him incapable of securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on a need for aid and attendance or due to being housebound, as his physical disabilities are primarily from nonservice-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining private treatment records from Dr. L. Coates and providing an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's muscle atrophy.

The Veteran's application to reopen claims for PTSD, a low back disorder, and bilateral hearing loss is granted. The claim of service connection for PTSD is reopened due to new evidence submitted since the prior final denial. The claims for a low back disorder and bilateral hearing loss are not reopened as the new evidence does not relate to an unestablished element of the claim.

The Board has granted an effective date of November 22, 2008 for the addition of the Veteran's son, J., as a dependent due to his status as a helpless child. The decision is based on the evidence submitted within one year of the rating action that made him eligible for additional compensation.

The Veteran's claim for residuals of TBI, including migraine headaches and PTSD is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.,The Veteran's claim for PTSD is also remanded as it involves a history of service-connected disabilities that may have aggravated his condition.

The appeal for service connection and increased ratings has been dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective February 29, 2016. The appeal period for PTSD with MDD is from February 21, 2016, to February 21, 2017.,The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for subdural hematoma and entitlement to a TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration due to errors in applying the standard of aggravation, lack of verification of a claimed stressor for PTSD, and issues related to bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder and bilateral hearing loss are being remanded for further evaluation due to the passage of time since their last examinations. The issue of TDIU prior to April 1, 2015 is also being remanded as it is intertwined with these evaluations.