PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to an in-service stressor and grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was denied, and the Board has remanded the case due to communication issues. The issue of TDIU prior to December 27, 2017 is also being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development due to the addition of new VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disability (posttraumatic stress disorder) due to a lack of VA medical examinations or opinions. The Veteran is also requested to provide authorization for release of any relevant medical records from correctional facilities.

Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depressive disorder is granted. A rating higher than 10 percent for GERD and hiatal hernia from June 24, 2014 to February 17, 2019 is denied. An extension of the temporary total evaluation beyond the period from February 18, 2019 to April 30, 2019 for surgical or other treatment necessitating convalescence for a hiatal hernia disorder is denied. A rating higher than 10 percent for GERD and hiatal hernia from May 1, 2019 to the present is denied.

The Veteran's TDIU for the period July 15, 2010, forward was granted effective June 28, 2022. The AOJ then adjusted the effective date to June 26, 2019, and finally to July 15, 2010. No additional benefits are available as SMC has been granted for other disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's in-service stressors and the need for a VA examination. The Veteran is not just diagnosed with PTSD, but also adjustment disorder and unspecified depressive disorder.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at a 10 percent disability rating, effective from the date of decision.,For her low back disability, she was granted a 20 percent disability rating prior to March 26, 2013 and a 40 percent disability rating thereafter. The appeal for higher ratings remains denied.,The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety. The issues of entitlement to a higher rating for lumbosacral strain and TDIU are remanded.

The Board dismissed the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability as it has been fully granted with the grant of service connection for adjustment disorder, chronic with mixed anxiety and depressed mood in a June 2022 rating decision.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, and for a higher rating for left shoulder disability prior to February 18, 2020. The Veteran's history of bipolar disorder and adjustment disorder is considered in the psychiatric claim, and additional functional loss due to flare-ups and range of motion findings are requested.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety as secondary to service-connected disabilities, and his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to in-service stressors not fully addressed.

The Veteran's appeal for SMC based on need for aid and attendance is remanded due to the passage of time since his last VA examination, additional service-connected disabilities granted, and the need for a new examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a sleep disability, to include sleep apnea and back disability are not fully developed. The effective dates for granting service connection have already been established.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and right ear hearing loss due to issues with the Veteran's address and inconsistencies in medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's timely substantive appeal was received, and thus the December 2015 rating decision denying service connection for multiple disabilities is granted.

A 70 percent rating for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and MDD is granted, but no higher. The Veteran's symptoms are currently rated as meeting the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and PTSD has been granted, with a 70 percent rating for PTSD effective February 5, 2019. The earlier effective date claim for PTSD was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD with major depressive disorder and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of all four extremities, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. As a result, he is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has denied a higher rating. The appeal for hypertension remains pending.