PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU based solely on PTSD is denied as the effective date of June 15, 2021 is determined to be the earliest date that it was factually ascertainable that the service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable.

The Board found that the Veteran was not precluded from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities prior to February 10, 2020.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors and to obtain relevant records, including SSA records. The claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for posttraumatic stress disorder was dismissed due to his death.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical records from VA and private providers. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD will be reconsidered with these new records.

The Veteran's PTSD rating is restored to 70% effective September 1, 2019.,The Veteran is granted TDIU from September 21, 2015.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error, specifically for retrieving outstanding records that are relevant to the claim of an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD with persistent depressive disorder.

The Board has determined that the March 2019 VA examination is inadequate and remands the case for a new examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, cannabis use disorder, and alcohol use disorder.

The Board has determined that there is at least a 50% chance (equipoise) that the Veteran's Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is caused or aggravated by his service-connected Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). As such, the claim for secondary service connection for OSA due to PTSD is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for discontinuance of SMC based on housebound status, finding that he did not meet the requirements under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) due to his service-connected disabilities and TDIU.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was granted service connection. Service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD were remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there is no competent evidence linking his current diagnosis of adjustment disorder and possible PTSD to his active service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD, a liver transplant, and a left ankle condition. The cases are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service stressors, his liver transplant cause, and the relationship between his left ankle condition and any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by a service-connected condition, specifically PTSD and Major Depression, which were related to his combat experiences in Vietnam. As such, the cause of death is considered service-connected.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD and obesity, which are linked by medical evidence.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to conflicting evidence regarding its cause and nature. The Veteran's PTSD is considered secondary, but obesity is also a factor in causing his sleep apnea.

Service connection is granted for PTSD and depression with psychotic features. The Veteran's back, right knee, and left knee disorders are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder, is granted as service connected. The low back disorder, right knee disorders, left knee disorders, and eye disorder are all remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder is rated at 50 percent prior to February 28, 2019 and in excess of 50 percent thereafter. The appeal for a higher rating remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone have not rendered him unemployable at any point during the appellate period, and his TDIU claim is denied.