PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder was granted. The cases of increased ratings for hammertoe and the effective date for a higher rating were remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the claims of service connection for various disorders, including foot fungus, nose disorder, back disorder, asthma, psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, and hearing loss. The appeals are being remanded to obtain clarification on private treatment records and to schedule VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. The appeal is now back before the Board for further consideration.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and diabetes, finding no evidence of a diagnosis of PTSD. The cause of death was determined to be positional asphyxiation, not related to service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, should be remanded due to inadequate VA examination and incomplete medical records. The Veteran is also asked to provide additional private treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, was denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the condition and his active-duty service.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was previously denied in May 2007. The reopened claim remains denied due to lack of evidence linking the Veteran's current hearing loss to his military service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for poor vision (claimed as partial blindness in both eyes) was reopened but remains denied because there is no evidence showing a nexus between the condition and his active-duty service or another service-connected disability.,Service connection for renal failure was previously denied. The reopened claim remains denied due to lack of evidence linking the Veteran's current renal failure to his military service, including toxic exposure at Camp Lejeune.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus was previously denied. The reopened claim remains denied as there is no evidence showing a nexus between the condition and his active-duty service or another service-connected disability.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is granted as service connected. The claim for TBI remains pending due to the need for additional private treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms are now rated at 50 percent, granting a higher rating. The ratings for his diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities remain at 20 percent each.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, bilateral pes planus, bilateral lower extremities varicose veins, and a sleep disability (claimed as obstructive sleep apnea) to include as secondary to PTSD are all granted. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the termination of VA disability compensation benefits from January [REDACTED], 2016, to July [REDACTED], 2018, due to the Veteran's fugitive felon status and reduction in VA disability compensation benefits during his period of incarceration were proper. The debt created by an overpayment of VA disability compensation benefits was valid.

The Veteran's PTSD, including severe alcohol and cannabis use disorders, is now rated at 70 percent effective from February 4, 2021. The claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities has been remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of records and failure to adequately address relevant evidence. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Mood Disorder NOS, is now pending again.

The Veteran's PTSD and TBI symptoms do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent, as they do not cause total social and occupational impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent prior to June 10, 2022, and at 70 percent thereafter. The Veteran's right knee chondromalacia is currently rated at 10 percent prior to June 2, 2022, and at 40 percent thereafter.,The VA has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating for PTSD or right knee chondromalacia based on the severity of his symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment, and thus denied his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and consideration. The Veteran's left shoulder condition requires a new examination to assess the severity of his flare-ups. His cervical spine condition must be evaluated in relation to his service-connected left shoulder condition. An addendum opinion is needed regarding the acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as an assessment of polyuria and hypertension.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. The Veteran's cervical spine condition needs a new examination that addresses whether it is secondary to his service-connected left shoulder impingement syndrome. A new opinion on the acquired psychiatric disorder must be provided, considering the Veteran's contentions about insomnia, adjustment disorder, and depression.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder needs a new examination that addresses whether it is related to his service. An addendum opinion should be provided regarding polyuria and hypertension.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. The Veteran's kidney condition, claimed as kidney cancer, requires an addendum opinion addressing the relationship between his in-service stone removal and current issues. A new examination is needed for renal insufficiency and hypertension.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. An addendum opinion should be provided regarding polyuria and hypertension.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder needs a new examination that addresses whether it occurred in service or is related to his service-connected conditions. A new opinion on polyuria and hypertension must also be provided.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. An addendum opinion should be provided regarding the relationship between the Veteran's headaches and his service-connected shoulder condition, as well as whether it is caused by or aggravated by any other service-connected conditions.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for higher initial ratings for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss. The right knee and left knee disability claims are remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, are granted. The claim for residuals of a left eyebrow scar is denied. The claim for residuals of a fractured arm injury (now claimed as left wrist sprain) is reopened.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The case was remanded due to incomplete medical records.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of November 3, 2015 for the award of a 70 percent rating for PTSD. The decision is based on evidence showing that the Veteran's PTSD symptoms had been worsening as of this date.