PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's TDIU claim is dismissed without prejudice due to the combined disability rating of 100% from March 23, 2021. The issue of SMC is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to her service-connected disabilities, including a right elbow disorder and psychiatric disorders. The Board has determined that further examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and low back disability have been reopened, but the Board has remanded both issues due to a lack of a VA examination addressing the etiology of his psychiatric disorder and whether his low back disability is related to his service-connected bilateral knee disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities.,PTSD with alcohol use disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment, but not total impairment. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's left knee disability had its onset in service. Service connection is granted for this condition.,Service connection is remanded for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

The Veteran's PTSD with recurrent MDD was rated at 70 percent, and his IHD was rated at 10 percent. Both ratings were denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depression is reopened. The case is remanded to determine the appropriate disability ratings for her bilateral knee conditions and cervical strain.

The Board has remanded the increased rating claims for further evidentiary development due to missing VA medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied in a previous rating decision. New evidence has been received sufficient to reopen the claim, and the case is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with recurrent severe major depressive disorder without psychotic features prior to May 26, 2020 and for a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for reopening service connection for tinnitus, psychiatric disorder, hypertension, and skin disorders have been granted. Service connection is also granted for tinnitus and hypertension due to exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. However, the claim for service connection for sleep apnea remains denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating of PTSD, resulting in the dismissal of this claim.

The Board has remanded both issues for further development. For the 1151 claim, an addendum is needed to address whether VA providers failed to diagnose and treat a hernia following the June 2012 robotic prostatectomy. For the PTSD service connection claim, efforts are required to verify the Veteran's reported stressors.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete development and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on various service-connected conditions were denied. The rating of 20 percent for painful scars, to include of the breast and torso, was granted from November 1, 2010, to December 19, 2016, but denied thereafter. A compensable rating for residuals of an inguinal hernia was also denied. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability remains at a maximum 40 percent rating. Service connection claims were not granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing records from the Veteran's claims folder. The claim will be reviewed again after these records are obtained.

The Veteran's claim for Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) prior to November 5, 2015 is being remanded due to the incomplete grant of benefits and the need for a Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as a result of herbicide exposure during service. The initial evaluation for PTSD remains at 30 percent, but the claim for an increased rating is denied. Service connection for psoriatic arthritis of both hands is granted based on secondary service connection due to his service-connected psoriasis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, have prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment as of April 23, 2020.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 50 percent, which also does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's right hand scars are currently rated as noncompensable. The claim is denied.