PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain. The appeal for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder is remanded due to lack of credible supporting evidence of in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD and a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (claimed as bipolar disorder) due to incomplete development of evidence.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and alcohol and cocaine use disorder, finding that the Veteran's claimed stressor did not meet the criteria for a verified in-service stressor related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity.

The Board has granted the Veteran's requests to reopen his claims for service connection for PTSD and chronic kidney disease. The cases are remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD, and an opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current kidney condition and any diagnosed psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent from August 6, 2012 to October 11, 2021 and at 70 percent since October 11, 2021. The Board denied the claims for higher ratings.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD is remanded due to insufficient coordination and notification for the scheduled VA examination.

The Veteran's TDIU on an extraschedular basis is granted for the period from February 27, 2017, to September 22, 2019. The evidence shows that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities precluded him from securing and maintaining gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied due to lack of evidence. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and paranoid schizophrenia, was granted as new and material evidence has been received.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding the Veteran's reported combat stressors are consistent with his service and there is a positive nexus between his current mental health condition and in-service events.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, depression, and anxiety with a 50% rating effective October 4, 2018. The appellant is eligible to receive attorney fees based on the past-due benefits awarded in February 2021.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since September 6, 2022. The appeal for a higher rating has been denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent for the period from July 17, 2017 to April 8, 2022. This rating is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD with PDD was granted a 70 percent rating, effective January 1, 2017. The TDIU claim was also granted.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired mental disorder and prostate cancer, finding no new evidence to support the claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD because the new evidence did not show a current diagnosis of PTSD or a link between the condition and service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, back condition, and shoulder condition are granted. The claim for increased rating of tinea cruris is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder, finding that these conditions originated during active service.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD has been withdrawn. The reduction from a 10 percent to a noncompensable (0 percent) rating for the left eyebrow scar is granted, effective March 14, 2022.

The Board has remanded the claims for specially adapted housing and a special home adaptation grant due to incomplete information from VA examinations. The examiner is asked to provide detailed opinions on whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in loss of use of extremities, preclude locomotion without assistive devices, and affect balance and propulsion.