PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bronchitis, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and tinnitus, combine to render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is granted service connection, while his right ear hearing loss and PTSD are denied a compensable rating. The Veteran's PTSD prior to July 1, 2021, is also denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher than 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, other than for alcohol and drug use, is granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities. His PTSD is also granted. The Board has remanded several issues including increased ratings for spine conditions and hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claims, including verifying alleged in-service stressors that may support a claim for service connection for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining a VA opinion on the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in social and occupational impairment, but not total occupational and social impairment. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Board has determined that an effective date of July 19, 2013, for the grant of service connection for PTSD with insomnia disorder is warranted. However, as the initial rating was not assigned from this effective date, the case is REMANDED to assign a proper initial rating.

The Veteran's effective date for adding his spouse to his VA disability compensation is denied as he did not meet the eligibility requirement for additional compensation for dependents prior to December 30, 2020.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for increased ratings and earlier effective dates for PTSD, hearing loss, and tinnitus, as well as service connection for COPD and a low back disability. The appellant withdrew his appeals prior to the decision being made.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD with anxiety, and the Board affirms that any increase in severity of the Veteran's sleep apnea condition due to his service-connected conditions constitutes aggravation.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was denied, and the TDIU claim was granted effective June 2, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal of her claim for an increased rating for PTSD has been dismissed as she requested to withdraw the appeal.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for PTSD, depression, and a lumbar spine disability have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

An earlier effective date of March 25, 2011 is granted for a 70 percent rating for PTSD.,An earlier effective date of August 8, 2017 is granted for SMC at the housebound rate.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of April 27, 2010 for the grant of Total Disability Rating for Individual Unemployability (TDIU) and Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. chapter 35.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment and personnel records from the Veteran's National Guard service. The AOJ is required to obtain these records, including those pertaining to his service in the Georgia National Guard from 1982 to 1988.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds no evidence to warrant a higher rating based on his current symptoms.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and alcohol use disorder, is rated at 70 percent due to significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent, and he did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. He also did not qualify for TDIU prior to May 26, 2022, but his condition improved such that he now qualifies for TDIU from that date onwards.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a disability rating of 70 percent effective June 5, 2015. The TDIU issue is being remanded for further development.