PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and lumbar spine disability, as well as his claim for TDIU, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

A 30 percent rating, but no more, for anterior compartment syndrome and right ankle achilles tendonitis is granted. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD remains on appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for further examination. The issues include bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, pes planus, knee disabilities, neuritis, right eyebrow scar, and pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Veteran's PTSD was restored to a 70 percent rating effective August 1, 2018. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, leading to a TDIU. Effective July 12, 2020, the Veteran is also eligible for SMC at the housebound rate due to his combined disability ratings.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss was granted. The claim for PTSD was also granted.,The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD and panic disorder, is granted as service connected.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depression, and a low back disability are being remanded due to the need to verify an in-service stressor. Additionally, his claim for higher ratings for his left knee disability is also being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychological disorders, including PTSD, alcohol use disorder, and cocaine use disorder, are related to military sexual trauma during service. The examiner is requested to provide an opinion on whether these conditions developed as a result of the claimed in-service personal assault.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD and a grant of Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) were granted effective July 9, 2018. The Board found that the increase in disability occurred as of February 2017.

The Veteran's combined service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate as he does not have a single disability rated at 100 percent disabling.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable. The Board finds a remand necessary to schedule the Veteran for an appropriate VA examination in order to assess the current nature and severity of his service-connected disability.,The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 30 percent disabling. The Board finds a remand necessary for a new examination to determine the current nature and severity of his disability, given his reported symptoms since the last examination.,The Veteran contends he has a penile disorder related to military service. A VA examination is needed to determine if such condition had its onset in or is otherwise related to his military service.,The Veteran contends he has bilateral knee disorders related to military service. A VA examination is needed to determine the current nature and severity of his disability, as well as whether it is related to his military service.,The Veteran contends he has a skin disorder of the right foot (onychomycosis) and bilateral pes planus that are related to military service. A VA examination is needed to determine if such conditions had their onset in or are otherwise related to his military service.,The Veteran contends he has bilateral pes planus that are related to military service. A VA examination is needed to determine the current nature and severity of his disability, as well as whether it is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence to corroborate a stressor related to PTSD. The Veteran's service personnel records and any historical documents about a fatality at Camp Geiger between March and May 2006 need to be obtained.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial, compensable rating for hydrocele, status post left orchiectomy has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claim during a Board hearing. The remaining issues on appeal have been remanded for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected PTSD prior to June 5, 2017 is denied because the Veteran failed to report for VA examinations without good cause.

The Veteran's PTSD and heart condition claims are remanded for additional development. The TDIU claim is also remanded due to its inextricability with the PTSD rating claim.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim for the period prior to September 24, 2014 due to insufficient reasoning in the April 2021 decision. The Veteran is already service-connected for PTSD and related disabilities but was not considered for a TDIU during this period.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to December 12, 2016 resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. After December 12, 2016, the severity of his PTSD did not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD prevents him from obtaining and maintaining substantial gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

An initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Major Depressive Disorder, and Moderate Alcohol Use Disorder in partial remission, is granted prior to April 29, 2016. A higher rating than 70 percent for PTSD from April 29, 2016 onwards is denied.,Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is granted as of September 12, 2011.