PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need to verify his reported stressors. The current evidence does not meet the second element of service connection as there is no credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressor occurred.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The appeal regarding eligibility for financial assistance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, or adaptive equipment only is denied. The appeal to readjudicate the heart disability claim based on new evidence is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his PTSD rating and TDIU claims. A VA medical opinion is needed to address the nature and severity of his PTSD since July 13, 2018, and necessary development should be conducted for a TDIU claim.

The Veteran's physical and mental disabilities, including service-connected bilateral knee disabilities, diabetes mellitus, and PTSD, require him to be in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise regarding his requirement for aid and attendance due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, as his current protected work environment with VA does not allow for substantial income generation.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied because his combined rating for service-connected conditions (PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, plantar wart, and hypertension) is less than the required 70% to warrant a TDIU on schedular basis. The Board found that he could still secure and follow substantially gainful employment despite his disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for a new examination and opinion regarding the nature, frequency, depth, and duration of his suicidal ideations.

The Board has found significant deficiencies in the claims file and has ordered remand for several issues, including obtaining military personnel records, a TERA examination, and verifying stressors. The Veteran's TBI and headache disorders are also being examined to determine their relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete development and need for additional examinations. The claims are related as they involve similar exposure and symptoms.

Service connection for PTSD is granted. Increased ratings are granted for IVDS with degenerative arthritis and vertebral fracture with bilateral thoracic radiculopathy of the ventral and dorsal ramus nerves, right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, and left ankle pilon fracture residuals.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder and entitlement to a total disability rating for compensation based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to inadequate reasons or bases provided by the Board regarding the qualifications of VA examiners.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of February 25, 2011 for the grant of service connection for PTSD and a rating of 70 percent for PTSD from that date. The Veteran is also granted entitlement to a TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating issues due to insufficient medical records. The case is also remanded for an addendum opinion on PTSD, a headache disability evaluation, and VA examinations for lumbosacral strain, DDD, Schamberg's disease, and hypertension.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 70 percent rating prior to January 3, 2020.,A higher rating for PTSD from January 3, 2020 is denied.

Service connection is granted for allergic rhinitis and bilateral flat feet (pes planus).,The Veteran's left ear hearing loss, frequent urination, acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and insomnia are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms from September 6, 2012 to June 29, 2015 most nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.,The Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since May 24, 2018.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the cases due to a procedural error in sending notice of the February 2014 rating decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is related to service. The Veteran claims he experienced military sexual trauma during his service in Iraq.

The Board has determined that additional evidence was added to the record since the last Statement of the Case and has not yet been reviewed by the AOJ. The appeal is being remanded for further consideration.