PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has granted earlier effective dates of February 12, 2021 for the Veteran's Individual Unemployability and Dependents' Educational Assistance claims. The decision is based on continuous pursuit of the claim by the Veteran.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding no persuasive evidence of a current disability that comports with VA regulations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with TBI and multiple musculoskeletal conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU rating effective July 18, 2019. Service connection for esophageal cancer is remanded due to the PACT Act's expansion of presumptive conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder has been granted, effective from February 16, 2017. The RO also remanded the issue of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is denied because the increase in disability did not occur within one year prior to his March 1, 2021 TDIU claim.

PTSD and the status post-left pneumothorax x two with pleuritic chest wall pain secondary to pleurodesis and thoracotomy have been granted initial ratings of 70 percent each. The left chest tube and thoracotomy scars, residuals of left pneumothorax, are also granted a rating not exceeding 10 percent.

The Veteran's hypertension was granted service connection as it had its onset during his active duty service. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability is also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial 70 percent rating, effective June 25, 2019. A higher rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is denied from March 27, 2023.

Service connection is granted for sciatica of the right and left lower extremities as secondary to service-connected lumbar spine disability. Service connection is denied for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and cervical spine disability are inextricably intertwined with the sciatica claims and will be remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a lack of STRs and an incomplete VA examination regarding the Veteran's testicular condition. The Veteran is entitled to further development in these areas.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as he is not entitled to an increased level of SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance, given his current service-connected disabilities and existing levels of SMC.

The Board has restored the Veteran's PTSD disability rating from 70 percent to 70 percent effective May 1, 2020, as there is no evidence of improvement in his condition.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is denied. Service connection for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae and Viral Gastroenteritis are also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disability. The service connection for tooth number 9 disability is denied.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death, and no service connection issues were adjudicated.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms most closely approximated a disability picture consistent with occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection for PTSD because the Veteran's disagreement with the April 2020 rating decision was premature and not a valid appeal.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection for PTSD because the Veteran's disagreement with the April 2020 rating decision was premature and not a valid appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a disability rating of 70 percent for the period beginning January 5, 2021. The decision denied an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for the period prior to that date.

The Veteran's discharge was due to AWOL, but the Board found compelling circumstances mitigating his willfulness. The evidence suggests he had PTSD during service and his actions were not deliberate or intentional at that time.