PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Board has determined that the Veteran's account of fear of hostile military or terrorist activity in connection with his deployment to Lebanon during Operation Fluid Drive, caused by incoming enemy weapons fire, is credible and consistent with the circumstances of his service. The evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD related to this stressor event.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's ability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from March 31, 2013 to June 14, 2020.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for additional examinations. The issues of seizure disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (likely PTSD), and upper back disability are all being remanded.

The Veteran's TBI with memory loss and right ankle disability are granted, with a 40% rating from July 16, 2013 to November 3, 2020. The right ankle disability is rated at 10%. Service connection for PTSD is also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective July 12, 2012. The appeal for higher ratings and additional benefits related to his PTSD are granted.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for an acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety and PTSD, is remanded due to the failure of the VA examination scheduled in September 2016. The Board finds that a new VA examination is required.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for residuals of circumcision has been reopened and granted. The Board found that the evidence is new and material, raising a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.,Service connection was granted for trigger finger release of the right fourth finger due to service-connected right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's need for a higher level of aid and attendance, necessitating hospitalization or other institutional care, is granted from April 8, 2021.

The Veteran's PTSD increased ratings are being remanded for further action. Additionally, the claims to reopen a lower back disability and TDIU are also being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for further VA evaluations of his PTSD, left ear hearing loss, and right ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to engage and retain substantially gainful employment, qualifying for TDIU. The claims for increased disability evaluations are remanded due to the failure to obtain relevant medical records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder due to a lack of sufficient medical opinion considering all relevant evidence, including lay statements.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for any acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder with anxiety, depression, and PTSD due to lack of a current diagnosis.

The Board has vacated the November 18, 2020 decision that denied an increased rating for PTSD and entitlement to TDIU. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service stressors and a need for further examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus has been rated at 30 percent, and a higher rating is denied.,PTSD prior to December 13, 2021 was rated at 30 percent, and a higher rating is denied. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms are now rated at 50 percent beginning from December 13, 2021.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with alcohol abuse disorder has been granted. The case is being remanded to determine the Veteran's employment status and Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's PTSD was previously rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that this reduction to 10 percent is not warranted. The case is remanded for further examination and consideration of his heart disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence to corroborate the Veteran's in-service stressors and for a VA examination to assess his acquired psychiatric disorders. The claim will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.