PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as antisocial personality, depression, and/or PTSD) and a right knee disability (laceration and surgery of the right knee) have been granted. However, the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the failure of VA examinations. The Veteran is requested to provide updated evidence, including rescheduling of examinations.

The Veteran's claim for beneficiary travel benefits associated with a VA medical appointment on February 28, 2017 is granted because the evidence shows he submitted his claim within 30 days of completing the travel.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for residuals of fracture of the left ring finger has been denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is remanded and requires obtaining outstanding private treatment records from John Hudzik, LICSW.

The Board dismissed the appeal as the appellant withdrew her appeals for an increased rating and earlier effective date for acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD).

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the claim for a higher rating for PTSD due to additional development, including obtaining medical opinions on whether gastrointestinal and liver conditions are related to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and migraine headaches were denied as there was no earlier claim received prior to November 2, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for PTSD and back disability, as well as the grant of service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy with a separate rating, was denied. The effective date for the service connection is set at October 20, 2017.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD is granted based on new evidence provided during her hearing, which established a causal link between the in-service assault and her current disability.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, tinnitus, right wrist and hand conditions, left forearm condition, and lower back condition have been remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU prior to April 16, 2022, is denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating at any time during the period on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted as of March 4, 2011. The effective date cannot be earlier than this date due to the Veteran's employment status at that time.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial rating higher than 70 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). A VA psychiatric examination is needed, and development of the Veteran's employment history should be pursued.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a disability rating of 70 percent. The claim for a higher rating is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, due to military sexual trauma. The Veteran's history of homelessness and mental health issues necessitates further development before a VA medical opinion can be obtained.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left knee, left hip, right hip, hernia, bilateral hearing loss, and psychiatric disability (PTSD) have been granted.

The Veteran's claims for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and entitlement to TDIU are being remanded due to the need for clarification regarding the effect of his substance abuse on his PTSD symptoms.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are granted. The neck condition, vascular disease of both legs, and PTSD claims were denied due to lack of a link to service.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety and PTSD. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.