PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted effective March 3, 2014. The initial disability rating for residuals of TBI with PTSD, unspecified anxiety-related and depression-related disorders, and blurred vision is set at 70 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the case for an addendum medical opinion regarding the Veteran's PTSD and its impact on his ability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to July 6, 2018.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded as the evidence does not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU, but there is reasonable possibility that he is unemployable due to his service-connected mental health and wrist conditions. The case should be referred to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's PTSD, low back degenerative disc disease, left knee degenerative joint disease (limitation of flexion), and right knee degenerative joint disease (limitation of extension) have been granted increased ratings. The effective date for these increases is April 16, 2018.

The Veteran's service connection for Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD) secondary to PTSD is granted. Service connection for an irregular heartbeat, including as secondary to service-connected tension headaches, and hypertension, including as secondary to service-connected PTSD, are also granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, bilateral eye condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder due to inadequate opinions in previous decisions.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent prior to October 4, 2019 and 50 percent on or after that date. The Board has remanded the case for further development including a VA examination and obtaining Social Security Administration records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea and whether it is caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 70 percent from November 20, 2019 for PTSD is dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal for a compensable evaluation for allergic rhinitis is dismissed.,The Veteran's claim to reopen service connection for sinusitis based on receipt of new and material evidence is dismissed.,Service connection for hypertension prior to August 10, 2022 is granted due to the PACT Act.,Service connection for back disability is denied as there was no new and material evidence received.,Service connection for residuals of a stroke is remanded as there was no new and material evidence received.,Service connection for kidney disease is reopened but not granted, as there was no new and material evidence received.,Service connection for hypertension from August 10, 2022 pursuant to the PACT Act is granted.,Service connection for osteoporosis on a secondary basis is denied.,Service connection for OSA on a secondary basis is denied.,Service connection for bruxism on a secondary basis is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions provided in previous decisions. The Veteran's PTSD is being reviewed again, and a new opinion on depression is needed. For migraine headaches and left leg disabilities, another examination by a VA doctor is required.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD with major depressive disorder is denied as there was no prior formal or informal claim. The Veteran's initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder prior to September 23, 2020 is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities have resulted in a loss of use of both legs, warranting higher level SMC.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence from the USPS OIG regarding a prior investigation into compensation benefits fraud.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete development of private treatment records and failure to attend a VA examination. The Veteran's physical disability limits his ability to sign forms, so the AOJ must provide clear instructions on how he can submit authorization forms.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal due to the grant of a 100 percent rating for PTSD, which resolved all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status, as his disability picture does not render him bedridden or in need of constant care.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD and acquired psychiatric disability, including a lack of clear and unmistakable pre-service onset. The Veteran is requested to provide additional medical records and undergo an examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to failure to report to VA examinations and other procedural issues. The Board has broadened the claims to include Gulf War Syndrome-related conditions.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD, and erectile dysfunction.,The Veteran's claims were previously remanded but the hearing request was not granted due to lack of response.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for TDIU, and the Board dismissed the appeal as a result.