PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Board has determined that there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding the nexus between the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and his diagnosed OSA. The Board has therefore granted service connection for OSA as secondary to PTSD, giving the benefit of doubt to the Veteran.

The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other acquired psychiatric disorder, including whether PTSD is related to an in-service stressor.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding no evidence of a causal link between his service and his current mental health conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD prior to June 16, 2022, was denied as the severity of his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for kidney cancer with a right nephrectomy after December 23, 2020, and before June 16, 2022, was also denied. The current effective date is set at June 16, 2022.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since February 10, 2015.,A total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted effective May 19, 2012.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased rating in excess of 100 percent for PTSD and a TDIU prior to December 9, 2019 have been dismissed due to the Veteran's attorney requesting withdrawal of all pending appeals.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and PTSD, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to service. The Veteran's claims have been resolved in his favor.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The case is remanded for further action on his sleep apnea claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent prior to July 31, 2012 and at 70 percent from that date.,A TDIU claim for the period prior to August 21, 2018 is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance is denied because the evidence does not show that his service-connected PTSD requires regular aid and attendance due to physical or mental impairments.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and to obtain updated VA treatment records. The issues of an increased rating for PTSD and service connection for tinnitus are also being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to her service. The VA examiner did not provide an opinion on this issue.

The appeal pertaining to the issue of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed. The Veteran's appeals for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with depression and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance effective June 13, 2013. The Board found that he required assistance with activities of daily living due to his service-connected spine disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate examination. The Veteran's mental health conditions, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, are to be evaluated by a VA examiner.

The Veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relationships, judgment, thinking, or mood. The claim for an initial 70 percent disability rating for PTSD is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder from August 2, 2016 is dismissed as the issue has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. Service connection is granted for PTSD as it is related to military sexual trauma (MST) during basic training.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to new evidence and issues that are inextricably intertwined with the other issues.