PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and gouty arthritis caused him to become obese, which was a substantial factor in causing his secondary disability of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The Board found that the evidence is at least in approximate balance as to whether these conditions caused or aggravated his OSA.

The Board denied the Veteran's requests for earlier effective dates for service connection of PTSD, thoracolumbar strain, and eczema due to lack of continuous pursuit of her claims within one year of the July 2015 denial.

The Board has not determined whether the Veteran's PTSD and latent schizophrenia are service-connected, but has found new evidence that raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims. The decision is mixed as some issues have been granted while others remain denied.

The Veteran is granted service connection for PTSD, obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD, and a back disability. The claims for bilateral shoulder and elbow disabilities are remanded.,Service connection for Meniere's disease (also claimed as dizziness) is remanded.

Service connection for PTSD due to MST has been granted.,Service connection for OSA was denied as there is no evidence of current disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding service connection claims for various conditions, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, allergic rhinitis, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, right knee disability, left knee disability, and left acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's headache disability, including migraines, is granted as secondary to his service-connected tinnitus. The acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) and OSA are denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has withdrawn the appeals for sinusitis and PTSD, and has remanded the issues of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and right hip DJD.

The Board has found that the Veteran's PTSD and MDD have worsened since his last VA examination in August 2017. The Board also finds that the Veteran reasonably raised a claim for TDIU, which is part of this appeal. Both issues are remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examinations.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is granted with a 20 percent rating, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, Depressive Disorder, Alcohol Use Disorder) is granted. The issue of entitlement to a compensable rating for nephrolithiasis remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Board has decided that there may be outstanding relevant records not yet associated with the claims file, including VA treatment records and SSA disability records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is remanded due to these missing records.

The reduction from a 70 to 50 percent rating for PTSD was not proper, and the 70 percent rating is restored. The effective date earlier than February 26, 2018, for the award of a 50 percent disability rating for migraine headaches with vertigo is denied. Prior to February 21, 2018, entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent disabling for lumbar spine disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, MDD, and GAD should be remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the validity of his claimed stressors. The case will need further development to verify or corroborate the reported incidents.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical opinion and need for additional consideration of lay statements.

The Veteran's PTSD with substance abuse is rated at 100 percent effective September 30, 2017.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD due to personal assault, finding no CUE in the April 2008 rating decision and concluding that a July 18, 2014 VA letter did not constitute a liberalizing law or VA issue.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and MDD, are related to his military service. The Veteran needs to provide updated treatment records and undergo a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for PTSD and residuals of abdominal gunshot wound with colon resection, colostomy, and obstruction. The issue of TDIU prior to April 1, 2013 is also being remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left wrist condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The decision also notes that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss claim is remanded.