PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in a disability picture that more nearly approximates occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The remand includes obtaining records of treatment during the Veteran's incarceration in federal prison.

The Board has remanded the claims for sleep apnea, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) due to insufficient evidence or need for additional examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for headaches and acquired psychiatric disability other than bipolar disorder due to insufficient examination reports, lack of consideration of lay statements, and need for further medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD and headache conditions. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to determine if his current psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for a restoration of his 50 percent rating for PTSD is granted. The issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and service connection for TBI are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in a combined rating of 100 percent prior to November 13, 2017. However, the Board finds that his single disability rated at 100 percent does not render him unemployable due to these conditions alone.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and conducting additional examinations. The Veteran seeks increased ratings for his service-connected TBI but the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is dismissed because he did not submit new and material evidence within a year of the August 2015 rating decision, which granted service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD and anxiety disorder are granted a rating of 70 percent, effective March 29, 2013. He is also awarded TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD with alcohol dependence and TDIU are being remanded due to outstanding Vet Center treatment records and the need to obtain SSA medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to October 10, 2018.

The Veteran's application for VR&E benefits was denied because he did not meet the criteria for an employment handicap, as defined by VA regulations. The Board found that the Veteran had overcome his impairments to employability and had suitable employment in IT-related positions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has ordered a VA examination to address the etiology of his psychiatric disorder. The issues of right shoulder, left shoulder, right arm, left arm, right hip, and left hip degenerative arthritis are also remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for anxiety and personality disorder with alcohol abuse, as well as PTSD and alcohol use disorder, has been reopened. The Board has granted service connection for PTSD on a direct basis and for alcohol use disorder secondary to the now service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and PTSD have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including SSA records and stressor verification.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, CAD, and various types of PN, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment since January 19, 2011. The Board granted a TDIU effective from that date.

The Board granted a higher rating of 100 percent for the Veteran's service-connected mental health disability, which is PTSD. The decision found that the severity and frequency of the Veteran's symptoms more closely approximated total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, which corresponds to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. The Board found that the criteria for a 100 percent disability rating (total occupational and social impairment) were not met due to intact relationships and work stability.

The Board has determined that new evidence was submitted after the most recent Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC) and requests have been made for its consideration. The case is being remanded to allow for this additional review.