PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including whether it is aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability, thoracolumbar spine disability, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD), hearing loss, tinnitus, cervical spine disability, and obstructive sleep apnea. The claims are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of the Veteran's claimed in-service stressor and the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but no higher, for the entire appeal period. The rating reflects significant occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of January 1, 2011 for the award of a 100 percent evaluation for service-connected traumatic brain injury (TBI), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dysthymia based on newly associated service treatment records that existed at the time of the March 2013 rating decision but were not previously considered.

Service connection for PTSD and MDD has been granted.,The claim for service connection for sleep apnea is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent effective July 16, 2012. The Veteran also received SMC based on housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher disability rating. The Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent prior to April 9, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension as secondary to PTSD with panic attacks has been dismissed due to the Veteran and his representative withdrawing their appeal.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his active service, and he is granted service connection for this condition.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if it is at least as likely as not related to in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a right knee disability were allowed in May 2020, resulting in the establishment of service connection. As such, there remains no case or controversy over which the Board may presently exercise jurisdiction.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial rating of 70 percent, but no higher. The Board found that the evidence was at least in equipoise for total occupational and social impairment due to PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the addition of new evidence that has not been reviewed by the RO.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent since April 25, 2016. The Board found that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they cause occupational and social impairment but not to the extent of total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss disability, PTSD, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and right lower extremity radiculopathy are all denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms meet the DSM-5 criteria and are related to her military experiences.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hand tremors and left renal cyst are being remanded due to insufficient evidence and the need for further examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depression, are etiologically linked to his service in Vietnam. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection of a right shoulder disability. The Veteran's migraine headaches were granted an initial rating of 50%. Service connection was established for PTSD, and her claim for nerve damage to the right pelvis was reopened.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD and other psychiatric conditions. The claim will be reconsidered with a VA examination.