PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD is dismissed as moot. The claim for chronic pain is granted, but the Board has remanded the issue of service connection for a dermatological disorder due to potential conflicting evidence and exposure basis.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated based on the severity of symptoms, with a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to November 16, 2017, and from November 16, 2017 to June 10, 2021. Effective June 10, 2021, the Veteran's PTSD was rated at a 70 percent rating. The decision also addressed other conditions such as lumbar spine disability and LLE radiculopathies but did not reach a final determination on TDIU or service connection for OSA.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a vision disorder is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that his current eye conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating higher than 70 percent for PTSD is also denied. The Board finds that while the Veteran experiences symptoms consistent with a 70 percent rating, they do not meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is a direct result of his reported in-service stressor involving treating drug mules executed by the cartel.

The Board has remanded several issues, including the entitlement to service connection for a right heel disability and the TDIU claim. The earlier effective date for chronic kidney disease is granted, but the rating for PTSD remains denied.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 70 percent since June 15, 2012. The TDIU and DEA benefits were also granted effective from the same date.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. An initial 70 percent rating for PTSD is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD has been granted, and the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, and TDIU have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the case to consider whether a TDIU due solely to service-connected PTSD prior to December 20, 2021, is warranted on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has remanded the issues of increased ratings for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms have not met the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim is denied as there is no current disability for VA compensation purposes.,PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder are granted, with PTSD being secondary to service-connected PTSD.,Right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, sinusitis, cervical degenerative disc and joint disease (neck condition), acid reflux, chronic fatigue syndrome, left carpal tunnel syndrome, and tension headaches are all remanded for further development.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including schizophrenia and PTSD, due to military sexual trauma (MST), is granted. The Board finds new and material evidence has been received since the June 2011 rating decision denying entitlement to service connection for PTSD. Service connection will be remanded for further examination and medical opinion.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining authorization for medical records from Kingwood Psychiatry and a VA psychiatric examination. The cases are being remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's left knee disability is remanded for a VA examination to assess the current severity and manifestations of his condition.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (other specified trauma or stress-related disorder and PTSD) claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence from VA clinicians. A new VA examination and medical opinion are needed.,The Veteran's right knee disability is remanded for a VA examination to determine if it began during service or is related to his service-connected left knee disability.,The Veteran's right hip disability is remanded for a VA examination to determine if it began during service, is related to his in-service fall, or was noted during service with continuity of symptoms since service.,The Veteran's left hip disability is remanded for an addendum opinion from a clinician to determine if the sartorius muscle injury and spurring at the acetabulum are related to his in-service fall.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is remanded for a VA examination to determine if it began during service, is related to his service-connected left knee disability or bilateral shin splints, or was noted during service with continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral knee conditions, and a left ankle condition were granted in full upon remand. The Board finds that additional remands are required due to the need to obtain VA treatment records from after January 2020.

The Board has granted a 100 percent rating for PTSD from July 15, 2012 to September 30, 2015. The Veteran's entitlement to TDIU prior to June 1, 2015 is moot due to the grant of the higher rating. DEA benefits are granted as of July 15, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from August 2, 2012 to September 20, 2017. SMC was granted for the same period due to his chronic kidney disease.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100% effective October 14, 2014. The Board also granted a TDIU rating from April 8, 2013.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for depression and anxiety. A new VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a rating of 10 percent for his left inguinal hernia repair scar is granted. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, left hip condition, and right hip condition are remanded.