PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD with depression is being remanded due to the addition of new evidence not previously considered by the RO.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him physically or mentally unable to engage in substantially gainful employment prior to December 11, 2018. Therefore, TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has not been shown to be so severe that it causes or results in totally social and occupational impairment, thus the claim for an increased evaluation is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent rating from August 1, 2016. The Veteran was granted an increased rating for PTSD but not to the maximum of 100 percent.

The Board has granted the appeal and removed the character of discharge as a bar to VA benefits. The issue of service connection for PTSD due to MST is referred back to the RO.

The appeal seeking service connection for bilateral pes planus is dismissed.,New and material evidence having been received, the claim for service connection for PTSD is reopened.,New and material evidence having been received, the claim for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus is reopened. Entitlement to service connection for PTSD is granted.,Entitlement to service connection for type II diabetes mellitus is granted.,From July 19, 2018, to July 16, 2020, entitlement to a separate rating of 20 percent for right knee instability is granted.,For the entire period on appeal, entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee limitation of flexion is denied.,Beginning May 18, 2022, entitlement to a separate rating of 10 percent, but no higher, for right knee limitation of extension is granted.,For the entire period on appeal, entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the appellant's diagnosed psychiatric disability, including PTSD, was incurred during his military service. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, is granted.

The Board has found that there are relevant outstanding private treatment records and service records from the Army National Guard of Massachusetts. The Veteran is advised to provide authorization for these records, which will be requested by VA.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and a sleep disorder has been granted. Service connection is also granted for the Veteran's liver condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and major depressive disorder with TBI, as well as a separate rating for TBI, are being remanded due to the submission of new evidence since the February 2020 Statement of the Case.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the TDIU issue. Remand includes obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) records and requesting the Veteran to complete a VA Form 21-8940 for employment information.

The petition to reopen the service connection claim for PTSD is granted. A compensable rating for a bilateral hearing loss disability is denied, and the issue of entitlement to TDIU remains pending.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for service connection of sleep apnea due to additional contentions provided by the Veteran.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD, is related to an in-service stressor and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, finding that there is a current diagnosis of PTSD and credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressors actually occurred. The Board also found that there is a causal nexus between the current symptomatology and the specific claimed in-service stressor.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed. The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's disabilities, including right hip disability, left hip disability, PTSD, radiculopathy of the upper extremities, rotator cuff tendonitis strain of the shoulder, bilateral feet disabilities, neck disability, back disability, sciatica of the lower extremities, and wrist and ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) was denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service incurrence.,Service connection for the lumbar spine disability and PTSD with alcohol use disorder and major depressive disorder were granted, but both claims are now denied due to failure to meet the criteria for increased ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with cognitive issues, alcohol use disorder, and TBI is granted at a 100 percent disability rating prior to May 15, 2018, from July 1, 2018, to December 10, 2018, and from February 1, 2019.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and memory difficulties have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran was granted TDIU for the period from November 4, 2006, to March 11, 2012.,TDIU was denied for the period from March 11, 2012, to February 1, 2017.