PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is related to his service-connected IBS, PTSD, or both.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional development and examination. The issues include left ring finger condition, acquired psychiatric condition other than PTSD, headaches (secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder), and OSA (secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder).

The Veteran's anxiety disorder and PTSD have not met the criteria for a rating greater than 50 percent prior to May 11, 2015. From May 11, 2015 to April 4, 2019, the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher than 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right ankle disability, psychiatric disability (PTSD), and obstructive sleep apnea have been remanded due to the need for additional development of his VA treatment records.,His current hearing loss disability is considered a disability under VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for PTSD, service connection for right and left knee disorders, and TDIU due to ongoing medical issues and potential inconsistencies in the evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The Board found that the current ratings of 50 percent for PTSD and noncompensable for bilateral hearing loss are appropriate based on the severity of symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was granted with an effective date of November 7, 2006. The Board found that the September 2007 rating decision incorrectly applied the law and should have considered new service records received in 1994, which established a confirmed in-service stressor.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of the grant of service connection for PTSD is granted, as his intent to file a claim was received on May 16, 2018 and he submitted a complete supplemental claim within one year. The modernized review system applies due to the exclusion of the intent-to-file framework in the previous regulations.

The Veteran's current psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is not shown to be related to any credible stressor event experienced in service.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and thus the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent prior to February 26, 2020. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to proceed with the claims as they are no longer valid.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, left knee disability, right knee disability, PTSD, erectile dysfunction, and low back disability have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew these claims prior to a decision being made.,Service connection has been granted for hemorrhoids. The evidence is at least in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran's current low back disability is related to his service.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was filed prior to May 10, 2019. However, the effective date cannot be earlier than May 10, 2019 because the diagnosis of PTSD did not manifest until that date.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed as the claimant withdrew their appeal for attorney fees based on a July 2021 rating decision that granted service connection for TBI and PTSD, combined with a 30% rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected PTSD is remanded due to the need for updated treatment records and a new examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or substantially confined to his dwelling due to service-connected conditions, resulting in a denial for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance and housebound status.

The Veteran's PTSD and anxiety disorder have been granted service connection. However, his increased rating for anxiety disorder and TDIU claims are remanded due to the need for further medical evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and clarification regarding the Veteran's dates of service in National Guard, as well as opinions on whether his 2012 bipolar disorder is related to Hurricane Katrina participation and if any current psychiatric condition is aggravated by subsequent service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and further evaluation.