PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim to reopen service connection for PTSD or other mental condition is granted. The Board also remanded the case for a VA examination and further development of evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD on or after March 4, 2009 was denied. The Board found that the severity, frequency, and duration of the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, bilateral tinnitus, and noncompensable left ear hearing loss rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to June 10, 2013. The Board granted a TDIU rating based on the severity of his psychiatric disability throughout the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining documents related to the Veteran's conviction for fraud against VA and scheduling a new VA examination for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's headaches associated with traumatic brain injury were denied for various periods, and the evaluation of PTSD was also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's PTSD, finding that it is at least as likely as not caused by an in-service stressor witnessed during his military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD, is granted as service connected due to in-service combat-related stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection, and his lumbar spine disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy were all granted initial ratings. The claim for service connection for bilateral hip and knee disabilities is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating of his service-connected bilateral hearing loss disability and PTSD has been remanded due to the submission of new evidence. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the PTSD increased rating claim.

The Veteran's PTSD disability is rated at a 50 percent since July 20, 2016. The Board granted a higher rating for PTSD and denied the claim for TDIU due to the Veteran's current employment.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss and PTSD with secondary major depressive disorder are granted. The case is remanded for further action on the rating and TDIU issues.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for spine disorder, right wrist disorder, and eye disorder due to insufficient evidence or procedural issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, was not incurred in or caused by service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence being added since the last Supplemental Statement of the Case, and the Veteran did not waive review by the AOJ.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder and chronic adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood, as well as obstructive sleep apnea. The decision is based on direct evidence of the conditions' onset during active duty.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine has full range of motion and is not service-connected.,The Veteran's right wrist symptomatology has most nearly approximated painful motion, which warrants a 10% rating under Diagnostic Code 5215. The left wrist also has painful motion, warranting a separate 10% rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent prior to October 22, 2012, and in excess of 70 percent thereafter for PTSD, as well as his TDIU claim for the period prior to October 22, 2012. The remand is due to the need for a new VA examination to evaluate the current severity of his service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea and TDIU prior to April 29, 2020 due to insufficient evidence linking the conditions to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to incomplete records, including VA treatment records from before 2010 and private medical records from various providers. The Veteran is asked to provide authorization for VA to obtain these records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings in excess of 10 percent for his right knee and left knee conditions are remanded. The Veteran also has a finding of total disability based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) and special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate is granted.