PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Board has denied service connection for frostbite of the hands and feet, but has remanded issues related to an acquired psychiatric disorder, hypertension, sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, and GERD. The Veteran is required to provide additional evidence or undergo examinations regarding these claims.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for PTSD has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's PTSD with panic disorder prior to July 21, 2015 resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an initial rating of 30 percent prior to August 22, 2013.

The Veteran's PTSD and COPD have been found to preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantial gainful employment, leading to a TDIU. The issue of entitlement to a higher rating for PTSD is remanded due to the need for updated medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is related to service. The Veteran needs to provide more detail about his in-service stressor and VA should attempt to verify it.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's right ankle disability and acquired psychiatric disorder claims, as well as his TDIU claim. The VA will obtain treatment records, schedule a VA examination to assess the severity of the right ankle disability, attempt to verify the Veteran's stressor related to Guantanamo Bay service, and provide an examination for his acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his death due to weight problems and diabetes, which were caused by the PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for a cerebrovascular accident (stroke) and an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, finding that the Veteran did not have evidence of these conditions in service or due to exposure to herbicides. The claims were based on direct service connection rather than presumptive exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate May 2013 VA examination and failure to address the Veteran's lay statements regarding his stressors. The case is being returned for a new examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. Additional development is needed to verify in-service stressors and determine if a current psychiatric condition is related to military service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, major depressive disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, and alcohol use disorder as these conditions are found to have originated during active service.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD has been reopened, and the Board has remanded it for further examination. The TDIU issue is also remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for a mental health disability, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, secondary to military sexual trauma (MST). The new evidence provided by medical opinions supports the Veteran's claim that he experienced MST in service.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have most nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas for the period prior to October 5, 2021. A rating higher than 70 percent is not warranted at any time during the appellate period.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition to include PTSD with depression and cognitive residuals of TBI has been granted a rating of 70 percent, but no higher, throughout the entire appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, major depressive disorder, and persistent depressive disorder. The Veteran's reported in-service stressors are found to be credible and consistent with his service, leading to a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's initial 10 percent rating for burn scars of the left leg and groin is granted. The case is remanded for further examination to determine if additional disabling effects warrant a separate compensable rating, and for new examinations to assess the severity of his PTSD with major depressive disorder and mild neurocognitive disorder, as well as TBI residuals.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder. The AOJ is instructed to obtain VA treatment records from 2016 to the present and reevaluate the new and material evidence claim.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case as a result.