PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, right knee disability, left knee disability, and other conditions. The appeals are now remanded to determine whether service connection can be established.

The Veteran's lumbar spine strain is rated at 20 percent, effective August 11, 2014. His right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy are each granted initial 20 percent ratings, effective August 11, 2014 and April 29, 2019 respectively. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective November 15, 2012. His right foot fibromatosis and left foot fibromatosis are granted service connection. His bilateral hip strains are secondary to his knee and ankle disabilities.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU rating from February 21, 2008 to March 29, 2013.,The Veteran is denied a TDIU rating prior to February 21, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal for a temporary total evaluation of 100 percent based on surgical or other treatment necessitating convalescence for atrial fibrillation is dismissed. The issue of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome is also dismissed. New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for TBI disability, which is now reopened. An effective date of May 23, 2013, but no earlier, is granted for a 100 percent rating for PTSD. The Veteran's request for a total disability rating based on individual employability (TDIU) due to need for regular aid and attendance is granted.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and other conditions due to a lack of current diagnosis meeting DSM-5 criteria. The Veteran's claims were remanded multiple times but no new evidence was provided.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disability caused or contributed to his death. The appellant and her daughter contend that the heart condition rendered the Veteran less capable of resisting the effects of his fatal lung disability.

The Veteran's PTSD required hospital treatment in a VA domiciliary for more than 21 days, and the Board has granted a temporary total evaluation.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is granted as service-connected.,Service connection for tinnitus is also granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction due to herbicide agents exposure, including as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The case is also remanded for a medical opinion on whether any current erectile dysfunction is related to military service or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature, onset, and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's need for aid and attendance due to PTSD, as well as service connection for peripheral neuropathy and cervical spondylosis. The Veteran is currently service connected for PTSD but not for peripheral neuropathy or cervical spondylosis.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD and depressive disorder is remanded due to the duration of time since the last VA examination, which may have led to worsening symptoms. A new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of his service-connected psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for PTSD, headaches, right upper extremity radiculopathy, back disability, left knee disability, and left hip disability due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse is granted a 70 percent disability evaluation, effective from the date of this decision. The increased rating for coronary artery disease remains denied.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD since May 10, 2021. The Veteran's symptoms have worsened to include near-continuous anxiety and depression, frequent panic attacks, and high levels of social impairment.

Service connection is granted for a left elbow disability and consequent left elbow and forearm scar.,Service connection is denied for an acquired psychiatric disorder, TBI, left upper extremity radiculopathy, lumbar spine disability, or cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of PTSD and MDD with anxious distress are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as it is related to his military service, specifically the incident where he was the first responder following a B-52 accident.

The Veteran's claims for a higher initial rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an updated VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further medical evaluation.