PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PTSD and TDIU prior to November 29, 2018 due to incomplete medical records. The VA must secure all updated VA evaluations and treatment records from June 2014 to December 2018.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent disabling effective March 1, 2016 for PTSD with alcohol use disorder and alcohol induced depressive and anxiety disorder has been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal.

The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU have been dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn his claims.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of the Veteran's PTSD on his ability to work. The issue of TDIU will be referred to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service if deemed necessary.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an increased rating to 50 percent effective December 5, 2019. Prior to this date, the disability remained at a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's initial 70 percent rating for PTSD with MDD and psychotic features is granted for the period prior to May 6, 2020.,A higher initial rating of over 70 percent for PTSD with MDD and psychotic features from May 6, 2020, is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, anxiety disorder, depression, cervical spine disorders, lumbar spine disorders, and peripheral neuropathy do not prevent him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a left knee disorder was denied, and his initial disability rating for PTSD was also denied. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to inadequate compliance with prior remand instructions. The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is being reviewed again for increased ratings and a TDIU rating.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's PTSD claim is being remanded due to a lack of an earlier effective date, while his respiratory disability and TDIU claims are being remanded for additional evaluations.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial rating of 70 percent, effective August 24, 2012. The disability is characterized by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and adjustment disorder with secondary depressive disorder, claimed as major depression, anxiety disorder, and mood swings render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to April 5, 2018.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran's PTSD is etiologically related to her active service and grants this claim. The right knee condition claim is remanded due to insufficient medical opinion.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to July 1, 2020 is being remanded due to the need for clarification of his employment status and earnings during the appeal period.

The Veteran's chronic headache disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected fibromyalgia. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is denied.

The Veteran's service connection for residuals of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD with alcohol abuse disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse is rated at 70 percent, effective April 12, 2014. He also received a TDIU and SMC from that date.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression have been rated at a 30 percent since February 11, 2015. The Board found that his symptoms prior to June 3, 2019 did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's PTSD due to military sexual trauma and major depressive disorder, recurrent with anxious distress; obsessive compulsive disorder with dysphoric mood is granted a 100% disability rating effective September 25, 2020. Prior to this date, the disability was rated at 70%. The decision also addressed occupational and social impairment due to PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a higher award of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities separate from his left leg amputation with loss of use of the left hand was denied. The Board found that none of his other service-connected disabilities, independent of his left leg amputation, require the regular need for aid and assistance.