PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, and PTSD. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence and a need for further consideration of the Veteran's claim, including obtaining records from his reported hospitalization during service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the secondary service connection for hypertension, PTSD, and IHD. The Veteran's representative provided a reference to NIH studies linking PTSD and hypertension, which must be considered in the examination.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for PTSD or other mental illness, including dysthymic/depressive disorder due to inadequate February 2014 VA examination and medical opinion. The Veteran is required to be provided a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from April 30, 2009 to August 9, 2009.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was documented at the time of his initial enlistment, and there is no evidence indicating that it underwent an aggravation during service. The Board finds that the condition has not been permanently aggravated beyond its natural progression by his service.,Service connection for a low back disorder is remanded due to the need for clarification on whether the in-service complaint had been considered.,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was diagnosed at least several years earlier than during service, and this matter must be remanded for an addendum opinion clarifying that the complete factual record has been considered.,Service connection for a sinus disorder is remanded due to the need for clarification on whether the Veteran had such a condition during the appeal period that resolved prior to the more recent examinations.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis was not diagnosed at the time of the VA examination, and this matter must be remanded for an addendum opinion clarifying whether he had such a condition during the appeal period.,Service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome is remanded due to the need for clarification on whether the Veteran's condition is proximately due or aggravated by his service-connected left wrist disability.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, must be remanded due to the need for an appropriate records search and examination regarding a verified in-service stressor.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of a claimed in-service stressor and the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's previously denied claims for PTSD and MDD are reopened, but the Board finds that a remand is necessary to obtain medical opinions regarding whether these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder was denied, as were his claims for an earlier effective date. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to the Veteran's symptoms being within the range considered by the current 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, tinnitus, left knee impairment, and right knee impairment is granted. The claims for left and right knee impairments are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, the lowest available rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The Board found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are consistent with the current 30 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD rating is remanded for a new VA examination, and his TDIU claim is also remanded due to inextricably intertwined issues. Additional development including obtaining SSA records and short-term disability benefits records is required.

The Veteran's tinnitus and migraines have been granted service connection.,Service connection for migraines has also been granted. The Board found that the Veteran had a current disability of migraines that started in service.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient analysis of the Veteran's suicidal ideations and other symptoms related to PTSD. The claims are being returned for further evaluation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability rating for service-connected PTSD, finding that the evidence does not support a finding of permanent and total impairment.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for PTSD was granted, and the Board found that he had a current diagnosis of PTSD related to an in-service stressor. The evidence is at least in equipoise regarding both the presence of a current disability and a link between the disability and service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD results in occupational and social impairment, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD with TBI was denied, but his claim for a higher rating for thoracic strain from October 21, 2021, was granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has worsened, and he is requesting a higher rating. The Board also notes that his TDIU claim should be remanded due to the need for an updated VA examination related to his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to obtain Vet Center records, which are considered confidential and require a signed medical release from the Veteran. The AOJ is instructed to obtain these records.