PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin condition (cancer) has been reopened, but the evidence does not support reopening it. The Veteran's PTSD claim was denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's initial 70 percent rating for PTSD with bipolar disorder from February 12, 2008 to May 10, 2021 is granted. A higher rating of greater than 70 percent is denied. The Veteran's TDIU due to service-connected PTSD is also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting an initial 70 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for hepatitis C and PTSD, as well as the issue of a TDIU prior to December 8, 2021. The AOJ is instructed to readjudicate these matters.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, bilateral plantar fascitis, cervical spine disorder, and asthma are remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding any current ADD or ADHD diagnoses and their relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and for further action.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since November 24, 2008. He was granted a TDIU for service-connected PTSD effective December 16, 2012, and special monthly compensation at the housebound rate effective December 16, 2012.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient verification of the Veteran's in-service stressor. Additional efforts are needed to verify whether Rick D. Harris's death on the USS MARS caused PTSD, and Social Security Administration records should be obtained.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 50% disability rating from March 23, 2006 to November 19, 2007.,From November 19, 2007, the Veteran's PTSD has not met the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and right thumb injury have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since May 5, 2016. The Board has granted TDIU for this period but remanded the issue of TDIU prior to May 5, 2016 due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and traumatic brain injury all related to an in-service personal assault.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss is granted. The Board found that the Veteran's current PTSD had its onset in active service, and his current bilateral hearing loss likely resulted from exposure to hazardous noise during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence being added to the claims file, and the Veteran or her representative did not waive AOJ review of this evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD, TBI, and headaches have been granted increased ratings to 50 percent each. The highest schedular rating available for these conditions is 50 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for TBI, seizure disorder, and PTSD are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding whether his acquired psychiatric disorder, TBI, gastrointestinal disability, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, bilateral lower extremity disability, and back disability were caused or aggravated by VA care.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to address whether the Veteran's conceded in-service exposure to an herbicide agent caused or aggravated his erectile dysfunction, and whether a service-connected disability other than prostate cancer caused or aggravated his erectile dysfunction.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate examination and conflicting medical evidence. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, obstructive sleep apnea, gastrointestinal disability, and bruxism are all being reviewed.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD, finding that his claimed in-service stressor is corroborated and resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.