PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude her from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, consistent with her education, skills, training, and work history.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to new evidence added to the claims file after the previous decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied in the June 2012 rating decision, and he withdrew his appeal. The effective date of the award of service connection for PTSD is set at February 2, 2017.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU has been remanded due to the need for further development. The appeal seeking to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his request prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it is related to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and her service in Iraq. The examiner is asked to provide a rationale for their conclusion.

The Veteran's PTSD and Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood symptoms have been rated at 70 percent from June 30, 2016 to January 29, 2018. The appeal is granted for this period.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as the medical evidence does not support a finding of unemployability due to his conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded for further evaluation due to incomplete VA examination and new evidence submitted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with insomnia, right lower extremity palsy and paresthesia, severe iatrogenic neurological back pain, hernia repair right side, and scar, status post hernia repair right side, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined rating of 90% for his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for right thigh scar from June 2, 2009 is granted. The Veteran's increased rating in excess of 50 percent for TBI with PTSD from June 2, 2009 to February 2, 2017 is denied. A 70% rating for TBI with PTSD from March 1, 2017 to February 16, 2020 and a 100% rating thereafter is granted. SMC (t) from February 17, 2020 onward is granted. Service connection for right eye residuals of PRK surgery diagnosed as halos and dryness and service connection for diplopia and light sensitivity secondary to service-connected TBI are also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70% rating for the entire period on appeal, and he is now receiving TDIU from April 30, 2015 to January 30, 2018. He also received SMC at the housebound rate effective from April 30, 2015.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent rating from June 7, 2019, but prior to that date the disability was rated at 50 percent. The appeal is remanded for further evaluation of bilateral hearing loss and obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants an initial rating of 100 percent prior to January 28, 2021 due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine the current severity of the Veteran's PTSD and whether he qualifies for a TDIU. The Veteran's claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD and has remanded the issue of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for a TDIU due to a single service-connected disability, specifically his acquired psychiatric disorder and bilateral lower extremity disabilities. The case is being remanded for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and missing records. The Veteran is presumed to have PTSD, anxiety, and depression related to her in-service hazing and assault. Her lumbar and neck conditions are also being reviewed as they may be related to service, but more evidence is needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical examinations and the need for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric diagnoses, including PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but no higher. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.