PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's requests to reopen claims for tinnitus and hearing loss were denied. Service connection for PTSD was granted at a rating of 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial rating for various disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his exposure to toxic substances (TERA) and delayed onset hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the threshold requirements for Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) prior to April 4, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 100% disability rating, which requires total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's hepatitis C claim is reopened and the Board finds it at least as likely as not related to drug use during service. The back disorder, GERD, trigger fingers in both hands, right shoulder disorder, hyperlipidemia, and respiratory disorder (likely COPD) claims are all remanded for further development.,The Veteran's claim for residuals of injury to the jaw and mouth, including a dental disorder, is reopened and the Board finds it at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury. The acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (likely referring to PTSD), hypertension, and right shoulder disorder claims are all remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) as the evidence did not show a direct relationship to active service, and the VA medical opinions indicated that ED was more likely due to BPH and advancing age.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent for the entire increased rating period, and he received a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD symptoms.

The Veteran's tinnitus, hearing loss, OSA, and PTSD were all denied as they are not related to his military service.,VA examinations found no evidence linking the Veteran's current conditions to his time in active duty.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, which grants an initial rating in excess of the current 30 percent. The claim for TDIU remains denied.

The reduction of the Veteran's PTSD rating from 70 to 50 percent was found to be improper, and his original 70 percent rating is restored.,The Veteran's PTSD symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 100 percent disability rating.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to readjudicate his claims for service connection for psychiatric disability (to include PTSD), type II diabetes mellitus, and back disability based on new evidence. However, service connection is denied for all three conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical strain is denied as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease and the medical opinion does not support a direct relationship to service.,Service connection for spondylosis of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (sciatic nerve), left knee osteoarthritis with osteophyte formation, right knee chondromalacia with degenerative changes, and right hip strain with limitation of extension are all denied as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease and the medical opinion does not support a direct relationship to service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD prior to December 1, 2016 is rated at 50 percent. The rating for PTSD from December 1, 2016 remains denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, left eye disability, PTSD, and GI disability. The TDIU claim is also remanded due to its interrelated nature with other issues.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was granted in June 2022 with an effective date of February 14, 2019. The Board finds that the earlier requested effective date prior to October 29, 2019 is not warranted as there is no evidence of worsening symptoms prior to this date.

The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities are causally related to her in-service sexual assault.

The Veteran's PTSD and insomnia were granted a 70 percent disability rating prior to November 11, 2019. After this date, the Veteran was denied an increased disability rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as it is the result of an in-service assault.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all listed conditions, resulting in the dismissal of these claims.