PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Board has found the VA examination inadequate and requires a new examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The RO must also verify the Veteran's reported in-service stressors.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and bipolar disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are due to an in-service stressor. Service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to PTSD is also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent rating prior to October 23, 2019 and denied for any higher rating on or after that date.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from April 2008. The right shoulder DJD and thoracolumbar back disability are each rated at 30 and 40 percent respectively, both effective February 2, 2012. RLE radiculopathy is not higher than 20 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further examination and clarification of the Veteran's work history and substance abuse disorder etiology, particularly in relation to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent prior to November 17, 2017. The symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate reasons and bases in the January 2020 decision, including not obtaining all relevant records from the Veteran's service period. The Veteran needs to provide release forms for any private medical records and obtain 'Buddy Statements' from fellow servicemen.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated based on the severity of symptoms, with a 50 percent rating prior to July 10, 2021 and a 70 percent rating from that date onward. The Board found no basis for increasing these ratings.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal challenging the reduction of his disability evaluation from 100 percent to 50 percent for PTSD, effective June 1, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied due to lack of credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor.,The Veteran's claims for eye disorders, right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, and sleep disorder were remanded as the VA opinions found no nexus between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was initially denied in December 1995. It was later reopened and granted effective June 23, 1995, based on new evidence showing combat exposure during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a complete assessment of his lumbar spine disability and effective date issues due to incomplete records. The lumbar spine claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple claims for various conditions, with some issues remanded for further review and others denied. The primary issue is the denial of a higher rating for tinnitus, which has been assigned the maximum schedular rating.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to April 26, 2017 did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent. From April 26, 2017 until September 19, 2021, her PTSD symptoms warranted a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to obtain or maintain a substantially gainful course of employment, warranting a TDIU for the period from January 6, 2020.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and alcohol use disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to military sexual trauma during her active duty in 1988.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for PTSD and ischemic heart disease were denied. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS, allergies (bee sting, iodine, shellfish), right knee disability, left knee disability, right rotator cuff repair residuals, left rotator cuff repair residuals, respiratory disorder, left hand cold injury residuals, hernia residuals claimed as a stomach condition, skin condition, headaches, and right arm nerve damage are all denied. The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to new and material evidence received within one year of a prior denial, and because there are discrepancies in the medical records regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions. The claim is being reviewed again with additional medical evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and chronic depression do not render her unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, as she was still employed until November 2016 when she closed her business. The Board denied the TDIU claim due to insufficient evidence of unemployability.