PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board granted service connection for a mental health disability, chronic headaches, and a low back disability. It also granted increased ratings for certain conditions but denied others.

The Board remands the claim for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, for the period prior to September 26, 2019, as the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) has not yet issued a Statement of the Case (SOC).

The Board dismissed the claims of service connection for a skin disability, throat cancer, tongue cancer, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as there was no valid claim or appeal pending at the time of the Veteran's death.

The Board remands the claim for an initial evaluation in excess of the assigned ratings for posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury due to a need for additional development.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as the evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected right hand, right wrist and PTSD disabilities prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful occupation, warranting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board granted a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD from October 22, 2019, forward and restored the 10 percent ratings for chronic otitis externa and post bulbar ulcer and IBS.

The Board remands the claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and PTSD, due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error in the December 2020 VA examination.

The Board remands the claim for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the claimed acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board remands the claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as the evidence did not establish that his service-connected disabilities had precluded him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and remanded two issues for further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for PTSD and tension headaches, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board granted a 70 percent evaluation for posttraumatic stress disorder with moderate alcohol use disorder, effective April 20, 2023.

The Board granted the readjudication of the claim for shaving issues/razor bumps and denied service connection for various other conditions, including a neck condition, left shoulder condition, GERD, headaches, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity nerve condition, sleep apnea, urinary frequency, erectile dysfunction, asthma, PTSD, as well as remanding claims for a low back disability, right foot disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated as totally disabling, effective December 20, 2021, and a TDIU is granted based on this disability alone.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for various conditions due to the Veteran's participation in a toxic exposure risk activity during his service in Afghanistan, as required by the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 (PACT Act).

The Board denied an initial rating greater than 50 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as the severity, frequency, and duration of the Veteran's symptoms did not more closely approximate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas or total occupational and social impairment at any time during the appeal period.

The Board denied an initial disability rating greater than 50 percent for PTSD and depressive disorder with TBI, but granted a separate 10 percent disability rating for the TBI status post IED blast trauma and mild neurocognitive disorder.

The appeal for service connection for sleep apnea was granted, while other claims were denied or remanded. The low back disability claim was dismissed.