PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that there is no evidence of a diagnosis or in-service stressor related to military service.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of his PTSD was dismissed as he withdrew the appeal in December 2019.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for further examination and development of records.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and PTSD, both on a presumptive basis due to exposure to herbicide agents. The claim for erectile dysfunction was reopened but not yet decided.

The Veteran's disability ratings for his left knee, right knee, and lumbar spine conditions have been granted. However, the rating for his PTSD has been increased to 70 percent effective May 13, 2011.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to address service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for anxiety, depression, and PTSD due to conflicting diagnoses in the medical records and issues with scheduling of VA examinations.

The Veteran's initial claim for service connection for PTSD was denied in May 2012, and she did not file an NOD or submit new and material evidence within one year. The earliest possible effective date provided by law is February 23, 2015, but the Veteran's appeal to have a prior effective date granted was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate July 2015 VA examination, and a new examination is needed as the Veteran's condition may have worsened since then. The claim will be considered for service connection of any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and need for additional evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, alcohol use disorder and insomnia is granted. The Board also grants entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea but remands the issue of a separate compensable rating for a sleep disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to May 16, 2018 did not meet the criteria for a 100 percent evaluation due to insufficient evidence of persistent danger of hurting self or others. The current level of impairment is best reflected by a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of April 5, 2000 for the award of a TDIU due to service-connected bipolar disorder with PTSD.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, MDD, and anxiety disorder. The issues of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability and right lower extremity disability are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% prior to January 6, 2022, and a rating in excess of 70% for PTSD beginning January 6, 2022, is denied. The Board has remanded issues related to TBI, chronic headache disability, and TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD associated with alcohol and cannabis disorder is remanded due to lack of recent VA treatment records. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it may be significantly impacted by the outcome of the increased rating claim.

The Veteran is granted TDIU effective July 2, 2012. Prior to that date, his service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable.

The Veteran's PTSD rating was reduced from 70% to 50%, effective July 29, 2016. The Board finds that the reduction was improper and restores the 70% rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased PTSD rating, service connection for hypertension secondary to PTSD, and service connection for a heart disorder secondary to PTSD are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rated at least 70 percent combined throughout, but the Board found that they do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and experience.