PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the March 2021 decision denying eligibility for PCAFC benefits was not supported by adequate and probative evidence, as it did not consider the correct legal standard regarding personal care services needs. The case is being remanded to allow for a new determination based on updated medical information.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating and service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder was denied. The Board found that the severity of his symptoms did not warrant a higher evaluation or service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are currently considered to be within the range of reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) housebound benefits due to her service-connected PTSD and other disabilities that independently rate at 60 percent or more.

The claims for PTSD, Depressive Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder are being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran's psychiatric disorders have been diagnosed multiple times, including during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities not rendering him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to February 28, 2018.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for retrolisthesis of the lumbar spine and PTSD has been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board will consider any new evidence submitted by the Veteran or his representative.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his claimed disabilities, as well as errors in the pre-decisional duty to assist.

The Veteran's tension headaches are rated at a maximum of 50 percent, effective January 21, 2026.,The Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathy with sciatic nerve involvement each receive a rating of 40 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient data and analysis in the Centralized Eligibility and Appeals Team (CEAT) review, which did not adequately address the Veteran's need for personal care services based on his mental impairments.

The Board has determined that the eligibility determination for PCAFC benefits and the Level Two stipend application are not in compliance with statutory requirements, and thus both issues have been remanded to provide proper notice.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for OSA as secondary to his service-connected PTSD, finding that there was no probative evidence linking OSA to either a disease or injury incurred in service or to a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral foot disability and acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient evidence, including conflicting medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the VA examination and opinion provided were inadequate for review, as they did not address whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his military service. The case is being remanded to provide an addendum opinion from a clinician.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher evaluation is not warranted.

The Veteran's PTSD with TBI is rated at 100% from August 5, 2020. The issue of Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits was granted as of the same date due to his total disability rating for PTSD with TBI. The Veteran's claim for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is moot since he already has a total schedular rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of February 19, 2016. The original claim was filed on that day and new evidence submitted within one year of the denial led to a reopening of the claim.

The Veteran withdrew all pending appeals, including those for increased ratings and service connection claims. The appeal is dismissed as a result.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal regarding an earlier effective date for a 70 percent evaluation of PTSD, finding that the Joint Motion for Partial Remand (JMPR) was issued erroneously and thus not addressing any new issues.

The Veteran's appeals for various disability ratings have been dismissed due to his death. The right eye dyscoria and PTSD issues were pursued under both the Legacy Appeal system and the AMA simultaneously, but these issues are now included in the dismissal.