PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, PTSD with alcohol use disorder, shrapnel wound of the left upper extremity, and tinnitus, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation during the appeal period from August 15, 2018 to August 8, 2019. As such, TDIU was granted for this period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and an unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder, finding that there was no current diagnosis of PTSD and insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between the claimed disorders and service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, due to lack of verified in-service stressor and insufficient evidence linking current symptoms to any diagnosed condition.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (unspecified anxiety disorder, PTSD, unspecified insomnia disorder, depression, and adjustment disorder) on a direct basis. The Veteran's mental health disability is found to be at least as likely as not caused by his service. However, the Veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not result in an inability to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to April 27, 2022. The Board found the Veteran's statements regarding his employment history lacking credibility.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied, but his claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD was granted. The Board found that the Veteran had a diagnosis of major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder with depression, which are related to in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and failure of duty to assist, requiring further development including verification of in-service stressors and obtaining a medical opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's case is being remanded for a new medical examination to determine if he meets the criteria for PTSD and any other acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as whether his symptoms are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to August 22, 2013 was denied as there is no evidence that the disability rendered him unemployable.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for DEA benefits prior to August 22, 2013 was also denied due to lack of a permanent total service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted. Claims for acid reflux, COPD, bilateral tinea pedis, hemorrhoids, bronchitis, pseudofolliculitis barbae, left ankle condition, right ankle condition, diverticulitis, migraines, back condition, and neck condition were denied.

The Board has granted the reopening of previously denied claims for service connection for chronic headaches, PTSD, sleep apnea, a respiratory disability, and muscle pain/joint pain. The claims are now remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded two issues for additional development: the rating of an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) and the rating of a status post laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma of the left true vocal cord. The Veteran is entitled to another VA examination in both cases.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70% disability rating effective October 7, 2020.,Prior to this date, the Veteran was previously rated at 30%. The claim for an increased rating remains on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, depression and anxiety, was denied as the evidence did not show that VA treatment caused his condition.,The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for TBI, gastrointestinal disability (IBS), right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, bilateral lower extremity disability, bilateral upper extremity disability, and back disability are all REMANDED due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with TBI rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment from the onset of the appellate period, and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted effective November 9, 2011.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with alcohol use disorder has been granted a 100 percent disability rating throughout the period on appeal, as his symptoms have resulted in total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder with anxiety. The claim is based on the Veteran's credible account of symptoms since service during his combat service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum rating available.,For the period prior to September 14, 2020, the Veteran's left and right lower extremity sciatic nerve peripheral neuropathy are each rated at 10 percent. After September 14, 2020, they are both rated at 40 percent.,The Veteran is granted a TDIU for the period prior to October 5, 2019.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Schizophrenia, finding that the evidence did not demonstrate a current diagnosis of PTSD or any other psychiatric condition related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent for the period prior to March 3, 2014. The rating was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.