PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding no link between the condition and in-service events. The PTSD claim was remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD from August 1, 2015 to April 28, 2016 was granted at the 70 percent level. The claim for TDIU during this period was also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms from May 26, 2010 to October 23, 2017 resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. The Board granted a disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD during this period.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and inadequate VA examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is now pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and headaches have been remanded due to the need for further development.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right hand disability manifested by pain, numbness, and locking has also been remanded.

Service connection for PTSD and left ear hearing loss has been granted.,The remaining issues of service connection have been remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as bipolar disorder type I and polysubstance use disorder, is etiologically related to his time in service. The Board affirms the grant of service connection for this condition. The claims for PTSD, right knee disability, and left knee disability are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression was granted a 70 percent disability rating prior to September 13, 2017. A 100 percent disability rating is granted beginning on September 13, 2017.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, left and right knee disabilities) did not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected conditions. The most probative evidence of record does not show that he was unemployable solely due to these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has ordered a remand to determine if he warrants a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD has not been manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% disability rating. The issues of entitlement to increased ratings for the right knee and left knee disabilities have been remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to September 29, 2016, and the appeal for a higher rating from that date forward was denied. The effective date of service connection for PTSD remains June 23, 2008.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depression, anxiety, and panic disorder, is rated at 70 percent disabling throughout the period on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD and alcohol use disorder are rated at 50% from December 3, 2010, and 70% from July 11, 2018. Prior to this date, the symptoms did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD was granted. The issue of an increased rating and earlier effective date for GERD is remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) and a bilateral foot disability due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine if his conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, COPD, and a sleep disorder due to inconsistencies in the Veteran's reported stressors and lack of credible supporting evidence.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine its etiology and whether it is related to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and diabetes mellitus have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment from October 30, 2008 to March 1, 2010. The Board finds the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions alone preclude substantial gainful employment.