PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, did not begin during service or within one year of separation and is not otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70% from January 9, 2018. The appeal was granted for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive features is rated at 70 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective September 27, 2010 due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for further examination. The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being reviewed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was denied. The claims for service connection for a lung disorder (COPD), sleep apnea, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and bilateral hearing loss are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for PTSD and other specified trauma and stressor related disorder, and whether these conditions are at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by active service.

The Board has determined that the VA medical opinion obtained in the January 2022 remand was insufficient for adjudication purposes and a new examination is required. The Veteran's anxiety symptoms are believed to have begun during his administrative discharge due to failing to meet weight standards after compassionate reassignment following his father's death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claim before the Board made a decision.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied because there is no evidence of hearing loss disability in service, within one year of separation from service, or related to service. The Veteran's current hearing loss is not considered to be at least likely related to service.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is denied as the evidence does not support finding that his PTSD more nearly approximates total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disability, to include as secondary to diabetes mellitus, is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for hemorrhoids prior to February 15, 2019 and a rating of 20 percent thereafter is granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar strain (a back disability) is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus is remanded.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left ankle disabilities are remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a peripheral nerve condition secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus or lumbar strain is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than major depressive disorder, dysthymia and depression (claimed as PTSD, bipolar disorder, and anxiety) is granted. The appeal to reopen the claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder is also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, sleep apnea, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU based on the evidence showing his inability to work due to his mental health symptoms and physical limitations.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected anxiety, not otherwise specified, with posttraumatic stress disorder is remanded due to failure to comply with January 2021 remand directives.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing medical records and a missed VA examination. The Veteran will be given another chance to attend an examination, and additional time will be provided to obtain missing records.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that his symptoms are related to in-service stressors and supported by a VA psychiatrist's opinion.

The Veteran's death was caused by a gunshot wound to the head, with depression and PTSD as significant contributing conditions. The Board has determined that service connection for cause of death is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities and his military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, hypertension, and bilateral neuropathy are granted service connection. Service connection for bilateral neuropathy of the upper extremities and lower extremities is remanded.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for residuals of a right great toe injury, lung condition (to include COPD), chronic headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) must be remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's PTSD, left hip disability and right knee disability have been granted ratings. TDIU has also been granted from April 28, 2014.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to comply with previous directives and insufficient notification of a VA examination. The Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, are being reviewed for service connection.