PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's initial claim for PTSD was granted with a rating of 30 percent, effective December 21, 2012. In May 2022, the RO increased his rating to 70 percent, effective August 26, 2021.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU for the entire period prior to December 17, 2019 due to his service-connected disabilities making it at least as likely as not that he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal as to the timeliness of her July 2017 Notice of Disagreement (NOD) is granted. The Board finds good cause for extending the time period in which she may file her NOD due to her mental and physical state during the relevant period.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which grants a TDIU due to PTSD. The rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD has been denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and unspecified Depressive Disorder, has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. Service connection is now granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current psychiatric diagnoses are related to his military service. A VA examination is needed to determine if there is a link between the Veteran's in-service experiences and his current mental health conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing PTSD was aggravated by his military service in Panama, and therefore grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms more closely approximated the level of impairment required for a 50 percent rating, and his TDIU claim is remanded due to insufficient information regarding employment status.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient efforts made to verify the Veteran's reported in-service stressors and for an addendum opinion addressing the etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorder, including whether it is related to his military service or dysfunctional family dynamics.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in total occupational and social impairment for the entire period on appeal, warranting a 100 percent rating. The issue of entitlement to a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) has been rendered moot due to the award of a 100 percent schedular rating for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to a previous denial of TDIU prior to February 28, 2017. The matter is now being referred back to VA's Compensation Service Director for consideration of extraschedular TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate documentation of notice for a VA examination, and further development is needed including obtaining updated VA treatment records and an opinion from a VA examiner regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for PTSD due to a lack of private treatment records, specifically from his counselor. The RO is instructed to make two requests for these records and provide an explanation if they are not obtained.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for PTSD was denied, as the current 50 percent rating does not constitute a full grant of the benefit sought by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and potential service connection based on Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for LEFT shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis with AC joint osteoarthritis, LEFT ring finger limitation of motion, and a LEFT wrist scar have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeals for an initial rating greater than 0 percent for a RIGHT chest scar (status post cyst removal), secondary service connection for erectile dysfunction, and service connection for insomnia / sleep disorder have been granted.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD with associated anxiety has been granted.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for deviated nasal septum from a broken nose has been denied due to aggravation of a pre-existing condition.,The Veteran's appeals for secondary service connection for insomnia / sleep disorder and erectile dysfunction have been granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and examinations. The issues include head injuries, psychiatric disorders, hearing loss, sleep apnea, spine problems, nerve damage in limbs, and knee disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim of a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to his failure to appear for VA examinations. The matter is being returned to schedule another examination.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, sleep apnea, and bilateral foot conditions are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.