PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hemorrhoids is denied as there is no persuasive evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service incurrence.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, Major depression, and generalized anxiety disorder, is also denied due to lack of credible evidence linking the conditions to active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete evaluation of TBI, PTSD, and headache disorder. The AOJ is instructed to separately evaluate these conditions for the entire period on appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for retroactive VR&E benefits, as his service-connected PTSD did not contribute to his employment difficulties and he was deemed employable with his current education. The appeal is based on a direct service connection without any presumption or secondary condition.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating prior to March 19, 2019 for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 20 percent beginning March 19, 2019 for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is denied.,The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for residuals, shrapnel wound, left shoulder region and upper arm area, right hip/thigh area, and right leg/ankle area are remanded.,The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right ulnar nerve peripheral neuropathy is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD disability was rated at 30 percent prior to December 26, 2017 and denied a higher rating.,From December 27, 2017 to October 31, 2021, the Veteran's PTSD disability was rated at 50 percent and denied a higher rating.,On and after November 1, 2021, the Veteran's PTSD disability was rated at 70 percent and denied a higher rating.

The Board has added new evidence to the claims file and finds that it is relevant to the Veteran's service connection claims. The case is being remanded for readjudication based on this additional evidence.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD, service connection for a cardiac disorder, skin disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, due to insufficient evidence in the claims file. The Veteran needs to be provided with a VA examination for both conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military service, as evidenced by exposure to constant, excessive noise during his MOS as a chaparral crewman. Service connection is granted for these conditions.,The Veteran's major depressive disorder is related to his military service, with the same in-service stressors cited for PTSD. Service connection is granted for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD is being remanded due to conflicting opinions from the July 2016 VA examiner and the need for a new examination considering relaxed standards for personal assault claims.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since May 16, 2017. The Board found that the symptoms and impairment do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of PTSD is remanded due to incomplete records and the need to secure additional VA treatment records, including Vet Center records from 1993 to 1995. The claims file may also be missing a document filed in December 1973.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims and granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Depressive Disorder), a respiratory disorder, headaches, and muscle pain. The diagnoses are related to in-service stressors during the Gulf War.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at a minimum, initial 70 percent rating. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation, poor familial relationships, nightmares, and sleep impairment. However, further medical development is needed for issues of service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, TDIU, and financial assistance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only.

The Board has denied service connection for PTSD and remanded the case to obtain a VA examination regarding the Veteran's right knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of bilateral hearing loss has been reopened, but the appeal is remanded. The Veteran's PTSD rating remains at 50 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD with TBI is rated at 100 percent prior to March 16, 2020. The Veteran's headaches are rated at 30 percent. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for various disabilities.

The Board has dismissed the appeals of service connection for heart disability and hypertension due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The appeal for service connection for any acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded.