PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Board has granted the reopening of the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, finding that new evidence supports these claims.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% throughout the appeal period. The Board has now granted a 70% rating for PTSD, effective from the date of this decision.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial evaluation for PTSD was denied, but the case is remanded to determine if he qualifies for a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, which is claimed as secondary to his service-connected anxiety disorder and PTSD. The VA examiner did not adequately address relevant treatment records and failed to provide a clear opinion on whether the weight gain was caused by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a substance-induced mood disorder, depression, and anxiety as there is no evidence of a nexus to service.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability. The appellant is also denied DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 as the Veteran did not meet the requirements for total disability rating due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left ankle disability and bipolar disorder with PTSD and alcohol use disorder were evaluated, but the appeal was denied for a higher rating. The Veteran received a 100 percent rating for his bipolar disorder starting May 1, 2018.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions and need for additional development. The claims include low back disability, right and left carpal tunnel syndrome, acquired psychiatric condition (major depressive disorder and PTSD), and bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal of service connection claims for diabetes mellitus type II, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), cirrhosis of the liver, and hypertension has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including consideration of his claims for increased ratings and an effective date prior to May 11, 2017.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD with residuals of a traumatic brain injury is rated at 70 percent, effective October 16, 2020. The rating for lumbosacral strain remains at 40 percent from January 14, 2021. TDIU was denied.

The Veteran's cause of death is being reviewed for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151, but the claims are currently REMANDED due to outstanding evidence needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The VA needs to schedule a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any such disorders present during the current appeal period.

The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his symptoms, and his TDIU claim is also being remanded due to its inextricability with the increased rating claim.

The Veteran's service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a bilateral foot disability were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support finding that any of these conditions began during service or are otherwise related to service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and a depressive disorder. The decision finds that his current psychiatric conditions are related to his active service.

The Veteran's initial 70 percent rating for PTSD is granted, with an effective date of May 14, 2008. The appeal regarding increased ratings and earlier effective dates for various conditions remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for residuals of a gunshot wound of the left elbow was denied prior to January 19, 2021. From January 19, 2021 to September 27, 2021, he received a 20% rating. After that date, his claim was denied for residuals of a gunshot wound of the left elbow and PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders and their relationship to his service-connected disabilities. A new VA medical opinion is needed to address these issues.