PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and alcohol use disorder render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension has been resolved in full with a grant of benefits. The remaining issues have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence and medical opinions.

The Board has restored the Veteran's disability rating for PTSD from 70 percent to full rating, effective December 1, 2018. The reduction was improper due to lack of evidence of sustained material improvement under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Veteran's appeal to have an earlier effective date for his 100% PTSD rating is dismissed because the Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision.

An effective date of November 14, 2019, is granted for the Veteran's grant of service connection for PTSD. A rating higher than 70 percent for PTSD during the appeal period is denied. The Veteran's claim for TDIU is also denied as he has been shown to be gainfully employed throughout the period on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for PTSD prior to June 18, 2019 is being remanded due to incomplete private treatment records. The Board requests that the Veteran provide information about any relevant private providers and attempts to obtain their records.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating of 70 percent is not warranted based on his symptoms.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 100% disability rating for PTSD. The right shoulder and back conditions are remanded due to procedural errors in the reduction of ratings.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his left ring finger disability is denied.,The Veteran's request for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of his left fifth finger fracture is remanded due to the need for verification of periods of active duty training.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, an increased rating for PTSD, and TDIU are being remanded due to procedural errors and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is granted as service-connected. The claims for sleep apnea and PTSD are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it is proximately due to or caused by his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 30, 2013 for the grant of service connection for PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder is denied. The effective date assigned is January 30, 2013.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms and overall impairment more nearly approximated deficiencies in most areas but have not more nearly approximated total occupational and social impairment at any point during the appeal period, warranting an initial disability rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD with MDD and alcohol use disorder was denied, but he received a TDIU based on the combined effects of his psychiatric and right shoulder disabilities. He also received SMC at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder, recurrent, is granted a 70 percent initial rating.,A higher schedular evaluation for tinnitus is denied as the disability picture is adequately addressed under the schedular criteria. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and a right shoulder disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate retrospective medical opinions and failure to obtain a VA examination for GERD.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection for schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and alcoholism and drug dependency. The evidence received since the prior final denial supports these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's reported war room incident occurred during his military service and is related to his diagnosed PTSD.