PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depression has rendered him unemployable from November 17, 2004 to January 14, 2013. The Board granted TDIU on an extraschedular basis for this period.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for an addendum opinion regarding the severity of the Veteran's PTSD.

The Board has denied service connection for PTSD due to lack of a current diagnosis in accordance with the DSM-5. The claims for right hand, left hand, right arm, and left arm neuropathy are remanded as medical examination is needed. The respiratory disorder claim remains on appeal.

The Veteran's right ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain and insomnia disorder (claimed as PTSD) were granted service connection, but the effective dates are denied due to lack of prior claims.,A disability rating in excess of 20 percent for type II diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and a need for another VA examination to properly adjudicate the service connection claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70 percent rating effective May 23, 2012. The claim for TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 70 percent, meeting the percentage requirements for a TDIU. However, due to lack of a medical opinion on his employability, the case is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating for PTSD and TDIU due to insufficient evidence from recent examinations, and a new examination is needed. The issues are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective prior to June 21, 2022.,The Veteran is granted TDIU for the period on appeal prior to June 21, 2022.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hypertension, tinnitus, and PTSD have been granted. The issues of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, a heart condition, bilateral hearing loss, and neurological disability of the right lower extremity are remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Veteran's attorney provided information that there may be outstanding medical records relevant to these claims, and the AOJ is instructed to attempt to obtain them. Additionally, the AOJ should request any VA treatment records from the Spokane, Washington VA Medical Center.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal should be re-docketed under the Legacy system and his April 2019 VA Form 10182 is accepted as a timely Notice of Disagreement (NOD) for the issue on appeal. The Veteran must now receive an SOC to readjudicate the issue, after which he can file a substantive appeal if he wishes.

The Veteran's PTSD has increased in severity, and a new VA examination is needed to determine the current level of impairment.

The Veteran's combined evaluation for service-connected disabilities prior to November 5, 2018 was 90 percent. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and right hip/thigh impairment are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Board has remanded the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, heart disorder, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder due to outstanding evidence and further development being necessary.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining addendum opinions regarding her back disability and acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for right knee disorder, PTSD with depressive disorder and anxiety, and IBS has been dismissed due to withdrawal of the appeals. The case is REMANDED for further development regarding his TDIU claim.,A VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's PTSD and IBS.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder and insomnia disorder, so the claim is dismissed.