PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for a higher rating of PTSD is dismissed because it is considered a duplicate of another pending appeal in the legacy system. The main appeal remains active and will be addressed by the Board.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, as evidenced by his inability to dress or undress himself, keep himself clean and presentable, and manage his daily medications. The Board has granted entitlement to SMC(l).

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for her service-connected MDD with PTSD was denied. The evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment, despite the Veteran maintaining full-time employment.

The appeal has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for PTSD with bipolar disorder, as well as claims for increased ratings and TDIU/SMC, were denied. The Board found that the earliest date of entitlement to service connection was April 11, 2023.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, effective April 17, 2023. The Board also granted the Veteran a TDIU due solely to his service-connected PTSD.

An earlier effective date of September 8, 2020, is granted for the award of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance. From September 8, 2020, to September 3, 2021, a 100 percent rating for PTSD is granted.

The Board has granted an effective date of June 5, 2023 for a 100 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been granted an initial disability rating of 70 percent, effective October 18, 2017. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but not total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD required hospital treatment at a VA domiciliary care facility from April 30, 2018 to September 30, 2018. The Board granted a temporary total disability rating for this period.

The Veteran's PTSD claim is denied as he did not have a diagnosis of PTSD at any time during the appeal period. However, his acquired psychiatric disorder, other specified trauma and stressor related disorder with PTSD-like symptoms, is granted as it is related to service.,The Veteran's right ankle sprain is granted as it first manifested in service and was incurred therein.,The Veteran's chronic lower back disability is granted as it is secondary to his now service-connected right ankle sprain.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, including unspecified anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, kleptomania, and PTSD is being remanded due to the AOJ's failure to obtain medical records from his periods of incarceration or a medical opinion regarding his diagnoses.

The Veteran's combined service-connected bilateral knee disorders and PTSD have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, effective April 3, 2024.

The Veteran's PTSD rating was reduced from 50% to 30%, but the VA has now restored it back to 50%. The decision is based on improvement in his condition.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was denied, and her claim for service connection for a skin condition is remanded. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder is rated at 70 percent for the entire period on appeal, but his claim for service connection of OSA remains pending and will be remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with moderate alcohol use disorder is rated at 70 percent, which reflects occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas but not total impairment.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD was dismissed because the claimant filed a concurrent request for higher-level review, which is not allowed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and bilateral knee disability must be remanded due to duty-to-assist errors. The Veteran's reported stressors need to be verified, and a VA examination is required to address the etiology of his bilateral knee condition.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD because it is a freestanding claim and not allowed under VA regulations.