PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an initial rating higher than 50 percent for his PTSD, finding that his symptoms did not more closely approximate the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board has decided to remand four issues related to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, sleep apnea, hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Veteran will need to undergo additional examinations to determine the current severity of his PTSD, as well as whether his sleep apnea is related to his service-connected PTSD or if it was caused by his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was denied. The Board found that the severity, frequency, and duration of the Veteran's PTSD did not more closely approximate total occupational and social impairment.,Service connection for hypertension was granted based on exposure to herbicide agents during service in the Republic of Vietnam.,The claim for a breathing condition was denied because there is no current disability. The Board found that medical providers have not diagnosed the Veteran with this condition, and his complaints were associated with PTSD.,The claim for sleep apnea was denied because there is no current disability. The Board found that medical providers have not diagnosed the Veteran with this condition, and his complaints were associated with PTSD.,Service connection for acid reflux or GERD was denied because there is no current disability. The Board found that medical providers have not diagnosed the Veteran with this condition, and his complaints were associated with PTSD.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, is due to his active military service. The Board has granted the claim for service connection on a direct basis.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance and due to being housebound was denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for SMC at either the aid and attendance or housebound rate, as he does not have a single service-connected disability rated 100 percent disabling, is not permanently bedridden or housebound by reason of his service-connected disabilities, and does not require regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent disabling, granting an initial disability rating of 100 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms and overall impairment prior to July 15, 2019 have at least more nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. An initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, finding that the Veteran's consistent reports regarding in-service stressors are credible and supported by evidence in his military service treatment records. The Board also found a nexus between the diagnosed condition and the in-service stressor.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for psychiatric disabilities, a back disability, and a neck disability. The claim for TDIU was also denied.

The Veteran's appeals for increased PTSD rating and TDIU on an extraschedular basis prior to July 28, 2014 have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his legacy appeal in favor of adjudication under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA).

The Veteran's PTSD with cannabis use disorder is rated at 70 percent from October 25, 2016 to December 22, 2021. The rating will be granted and effective as of October 25, 2016.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, is related to his military service, particularly due to in-service MST. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of August 9, 2013 for service connection of PTSD. The decision found that the new declassified command histories submitted by the Veteran did not change the original denial based on existing records and medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and requests for additional information.

The Veteran's need for aid and attendance is remanded due to the presence of nonservice-connected conditions that contribute to his need, and a VA examination is required to assess solely his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's increased rating claim for bilateral hearing loss from May 30, 2013 to September 1, 2015 was denied. The Veteran's TDIU claim during the same period was granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and consideration of the issues related to his service-connected conditions, including bruxism (claimed as teeth grinding), migraine headaches, PTSD, lumbar strain, reactive airway disease, rheumatoid arthritis of the bilateral knees, tinnitus, restless leg syndrome, left elbow chronic epicondylitis, right foot plantar fasciitis, allergic rhinitis, status-post right 4th metacarpal fracture, bilateral shin splints, erectile dysfunction, scars on the bilateral knees and left elbow, right great toe onychomycosis, and acne.

The Veteran's combined disability ratings throughout the period on appeal equate to 90 percent, meeting the schedular requirement for a TDIU. However, he failed to respond to requests for information regarding his employment history and has inconsistent self-reported employment history.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective March 2, 2016. The Board found that the May 2020 rating decision resulted in past-due benefits of $56,932.65 and thus eligibility to attorney fees based on these past-due benefits.

The Board has denied service connection for cervical spine condition, sciatic nerve radiculopathy (both lower extremities), bilateral lumbosacral disorder, and migraines. The claims of service connection for PTSD, depression and anxiety, and sleep disorder are remanded.