PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has decided that additional development is needed due to duty-to-assist errors, and the case is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance from August 1, 2013. The Board granted an effective date of August 1, 2013 for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating prior to February 24, 2022. From February 24, 2022, the Veteran is granted a 100 percent rating for PTSD.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal regarding the effective date of service connection for PTSD with major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, major depressive disorder, and alcohol abuse disorder with obesity as an intermediate step caused his obesity, which in turn caused his obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The Board has granted service connection for OSA on a secondary basis to these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a TDIU rating is denied as there was no pending unadjudicated claim at the time of his May 2019 increased rating claim for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is not shown to have caused total occupational and social impairment, so a higher rating of 100% cannot be granted.

The Veteran's PTSD disability is rated at 50 percent, but the Board has determined that his symptoms more closely approximate a 70 percent rating due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other specified trauma and stressor related disorders, finding that these conditions are related to his in-service sexual assault.

The Board has remanded two issues related to the Veteran's service connection for PTSD with alcohol use disorder and pancreatitis. The first issue is about an earlier effective date for PTSD, while the second is about an earlier effective date for pancreatitis.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially granted a 30% evaluation prior to November 9, 2021. A 50% evaluation has been assigned since then. The neck disability claim is being remanded for further review. TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is also pending and will be reviewed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis during or contemporaneous to the appeal period. The Veteran's cervical spine disability and GERD were also denied, with the cervical spine disability rated at 10 percent and GERD rated at 10 percent under DC 7346. The right hand scar claim was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD due to the Veteran's combat experience in Vietnam, finding that his symptoms are related to his military service and resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, hearing loss, and tinnitus combined to prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation as of March 23, 2020. The Board granted the TDIU claim effective March 23, 2020.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 30 percent, and the combined disability rating is calculated to be 90 percent due to bilateral factors. The Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher initial rating or a combined 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD due to MST, is granted. Service connection for right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are also granted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) secondary to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is remanded due to inadequate examination and the need for further clarification on obesity causation.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, depression and anxiety condition, tinnitus, headaches, shoulder sprain, back pain, and right knee condition were denied as there was no current diagnosed disability related to service.,VA attempted multiple times to schedule the Veteran for VA examinations but he failed to appear or provide good cause for his absence.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to incomplete medical records and inadequate opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's conditions.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for PTSD, and the VA received this request prior to the Board issuing a decision. As a result, the appeal is dismissed.