PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's PTSD has not worsened to the extent that would warrant a higher initial disability rating of greater than 50 percent.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further development, including verification of in-service stressors and obtaining VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for VA examinations and rescheduling of his Board hearing.

The Veteran's PTSD/ADHD was granted a rating of 50 percent effective June 7, 2018. Prior to that date, the disability was rated at 30 percent.

The Board has dismissed the claim for service connection for tinnitus as it is considered a full grant of the benefit sought. The issues of rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's hospitalization for PTSD from March 22, 2011 to May 11, 2011 was not service-connected at that time and therefore a temporary total rating under 38 C.F.R. § 4.29 is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a disability rating of 70 percent from April 1, 2018. Prior to that date, the claim for an increased rating was denied.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 70 percent rating effective June 22, 2021. Prior to this date, the Veteran had a 50 percent rating for PTSD. The TDIU claim was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, is granted as the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether his current condition was incurred during military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder (with TBI), chronic sinusitis, bilateral tinnitus, and allergic rhinitis, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's hypertension was granted a 20% rating effective December 3, 2021. His erectile dysfunction and PTSD were both granted increased ratings.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disabilities. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if his current diagnoses are related to his military service, particularly stressors from February 1991 to March 1991.

The Veteran's dysthymic disorder with PTSD is rated at 50 percent for the period prior to January 27, 2020. The rating was granted as it met the criteria for reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD and left shoulder DJD have been denied, as well as his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability. The appeals are all denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI, high blood pressure, and headaches have been remanded. The effective dates for the grant of service connection for tinnitus and unspecified anxiety disorder (claimed as PTSD and mental conditions) are denied due to lack of prior unadjudicated claims. The effective date for hearing loss is denied as it was received within one year after separation from service.

The Veteran's PTSD with bipolar disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% rating. However, the claim for an initial rating in excess of 50% since December 19, 2014 was denied.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric and sleep disorders. The VA must obtain additional medical opinions addressing the etiology of these conditions, including their relationship to service.

The Veteran's combined service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with anxiety and depression, left shoulder strain, cervical strain, and other conditions, rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment from November 25, 2009, to February 9, 2011. The Board granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis for this period.

The Veteran's appeal is for an increased evaluation of his service-connected PTSD, which was initially granted in May 2015 with a 50 percent rating. The VA has requested a remand to reassess the current severity and functional impairment due to PTSD.