PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD was dismissed. The Board granted the TDIU claim, effective November 28, 2017.

The Veteran's hypertension and PTSD are being remanded due to new evidence indicating worsening symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD. The right arm, left arm, left ankle, and hand disorders were also denied. A remand was ordered for further development on these issues.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating issues related to his hearing loss, headaches, right ear hearing loss, PTSD, depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. The appeal was withdrawn by the Veteran during a September 2021 hearing.

The Veteran's PTSD and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression were rated at 30 percent, but the Board denied an increased rating in excess of this level.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right lower extremity disability manifested by numbness and pain, to include as secondary to her service-connected right ankle disability. The claim for TDIU from February 7, 2009 to August 5, 2012 was also denied due to lack of evidence showing the Veteran is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence added since the February 2017 SOC. The AOJ is instructed to review this additional evidence and readjudicate the claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information provided by the VA examiner who conducted a June 2021 psychiatric examination. The Veteran's representative requested copies of the curriculum vitae and/or personnel file for this examiner, which must be obtained.

The Veteran's bladder cancer is granted service connection due to exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorders, is also granted based on the Veteran's combat experience.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, was reduced from a 70 percent rating to a 50 percent rating. The Board has restored the 70 percent rating effective June 1, 2014, based on an inadequate September 2013 examination report.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified bipolar and related disorder was denied increased ratings prior to September 28, 2020 and from that date onwards. His back disability (IVDS with degenerative changes) was also denied an increased rating. The effective date for the assignment of a 50% disability rating for PTSD with unspecified bipolar and related disorder was granted as August 14, 2017. Claims to reopen service connection for left knee disorder, right knee disorder, right hand disorder, and neck disorder were granted, while claims to reopen service connection for chest condition and jaw condition were denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment throughout the appeal period. The Board denied his claim for TDIU as he is employed full-time.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral wrist condition, lumbar spine condition, right ankle condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression, anxiety, PTSD and insomnia) due to incomplete service records and inadequate nexus opinions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection of OSA as secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has denied service connection for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and other trauma and stressor related disorders. The case is returned to the Board for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development to determine his employment status and whether he is unemployable due to his service-connected conditions, specifically PTSD.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for TBI with PTSD and for a TDIU are being remanded due to procedural errors in the rating period consideration. The appeals will be reconsidered from September 29, 2016 onwards.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for an examination regarding the etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed psychiatric disorders, specifically including PTSD. The Veteran and his representative have requested a new examination and consideration of any newly submitted evidence.

The Board has granted SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to service-connected disabilities. The increased rating, SMC, and TDIU claims are remanded as the Veteran's private treatment records have not been obtained.