PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional examinations and to obtain outstanding treatment records. The issues include service connection for flat feet, residuals of left inguinal hernia repair, residuals of right inguinal hernia repair, great toe disabilities, PTSD, lumbar strain, hypertension, and hiatal hernia with reflux.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating, and his TDIU claim is also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 50 percent disability rating prior to December 18, 2018. After that date, the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the DIC claim due to the need for additional records and an expert medical opinion regarding whether PTSD contributed to the Veteran's death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance or housebound status, as his service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of such benefits. The Board also noted that the Veteran has been awarded total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU), solely due to PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial increased rating of 70 percent, effective from April 7, 2008 to February 10, 2016. The claim for a higher disability rating is denied thereafter. Additionally, the Veteran was granted entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected PTSD effective September 15, 2011.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD due to MST, unspecified anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder, and depressive disorder. The Veteran's claims were based on her allegations of sexual harassment during active duty.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% prior to June 8, 2020, and increased to 70% from June 8, 2020, through November 9, 2020. On and after November 9, 2020, the Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70%. The rating of 70% has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD has been granted, and secondary service connection for osteomyelitis is also granted. The case of the compensable rating for pilonidal cyst and sinuses is remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU is granted for the period beginning on May 24, 2006. The Board has also remanded his claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for right ankle, right hip, bilateral shin splints, psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD), left leg, and left foot disabilities due to unresolved development needs.

The Board has found that there may be outstanding treatment records, both VA and private, pertinent to the adjudication of the claims on appeal. The Veteran's PTSD rating is remanded for obtaining these records.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II and higher initial ratings for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Veteran's death made these issues moot.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of various conditions due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for increased disability rating and SMC for PTSD was denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s PTSD did not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating prior to November 3, 2016 and after that date.

The Veteran's claim for a combined evaluation of 90 percent disabling for his service-connected disabilities, effective July 19, 2017 is dismissed. The Board also finds that the earlier effective date of June 12, 2014 for the grant of service connection for PTSD should be remanded.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective February 7, 2016 due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as PTSD and paranoid schizophrenia) is granted. Service connection for paranoid schizophrenia is also granted.

The Board has vacated the decision denying service connection for a sleep disorder, to include as secondary to PTSD. The case is now remanded for further review.