PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeals for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, and sleep apnea have been withdrawn. The appeal for a higher rating for PTSD has been remanded due to the need for new evidence. The issue of service connection for sleep apnea is also being remanded as it may be related to PTSD. The TDIU claim is inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in total occupational and social impairment throughout the period on appeal, leading to a 100% disability rating for PTSD. Beginning June 2, 2017, he also received SMC at the housebound rate due to other service-connected disabilities. The claim for TDIU is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to September 27, 2017. The Board has granted a TDIU rating on an extraschedular basis for this period.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for PTSD and low back disability, as well as the reopening of previously denied claims for type II diabetes mellitus (DM2), Lyme disease, and hypertension, are being remanded due to incomplete records from the Social Security Administration.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not compensable, as his right ear has a maximum rating of Level VI and left ear has a maximum rating of Level I.,Service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder was granted based on exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board's decision was found to be clearly and unmistakably erroneous in denying DIC based on service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. The claim is now granted due to the secondary nature of the Veteran's Opioid Use Disorder, which was a result of his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, depression), and restless leg syndrome due to inadequate rationale in previous VA opinions and potential duty-to-assist issues.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD has been withdrawn by the appellant.

The Veteran's lipomas are granted an initial compensable rating of 10 percent, effective June 20, 2012. Service connection for PTSD and anxiety/depression is also granted.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to a change in her employment status and the need for a new VA psychological examination.

The Board has determined that more contemporaneous examinations are needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, and remanded for earlier effective dates for certain grants.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder, was rated at 70 percent prior to November 12, 2018. The claim for an increased rating is denied. TDIU from May 29, 2012 to November 12, 2018, has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have caused him to be in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has ordered a new medical opinion to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and depression, and whether they are related to his service-connected DVT.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, tinnitus, right ear hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, and a right knee disability, renders him unemployable due to significant symptoms that preclude substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD claims are remanded for additional development, and his TDIU claim is also remanded due to the inextricability of these issues.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and an increased rating for posttraumatic stress disorder, finding that there is no causal relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has ordered remand due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for updated VA records. The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder and PTSD, is being evaluated for staged ratings.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas but did not meet the criteria for a total disability rating.

An initial 50 percent rating for a service-connected psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD with an unspecified depressive disorder and cannabis use disorder) from October 8, 2014 to June 28, 2017 is granted. A rating greater than 50 percent for the same condition thereafter is denied.