PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress, is granted as service connected.

The Veteran's PTSD with secondary alcohol dependence is granted an initial 100 percent disability rating, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with bipolar disorder, finding that the evidence supports a link between these conditions and active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection claims have been dismissed.,An increased rating of 100 percent for PTSD effective December 8, 2011 has been granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted an increased rating of 70 percent prior to July 29, 2022. The claim for a higher rating from July 29, 2022 and the bilateral hip claims are remanded.

The Board has dismissed the issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a left shoulder disability due to the Veteran's withdrawal at his July 2022 hearing. The issue of psychiatric disability (to include PTSD and anxiety/depression) is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective June 8, 2017. The TDIU claim from June 8, 2017 to April 1, 2021 was dismissed as moot, and a new TDIU beginning on April 1, 2021 is granted. SMC for the period of June 8, 2017 is also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD and lip neoplasm claims are remanded due to the lack of recent medical records, which could provide a better understanding of their current severity.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD with psychotic features and TDIU is being remanded due to the need for updated medical records, an examination, and verification of his current address.

The Veteran's PTSD caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to July 24, 2021. Since then, it has caused deficiencies in most areas but not total impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD and credible reports of in-service stressors, which are sufficient to establish service connection.

Service connection has been granted for PTSD, MDD, and CFS.,Right carpal tunnel syndrome and left carpal tunnel syndrome are remanded due to lack of current diagnosis.

The VA denied the Veteran's appeal as the withholding of compensation benefits to recoup separation pay in the amount of $18,660.07 was proper.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU rating for the period from January 12, 2011 to October 18, 2019 due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted. The Board finds remand required for the left shoulder condition, irritable bowel syndrome, right and left knee disabilities, and PTSD and TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD with melancholic features has caused significant occupational and social impairment since October 15, 2014. The Board granted a 70% rating for this condition starting from that date.

The Board has dismissed all claims as the Veteran withdrew their appeal by requesting a Higher-Level Review and opting all claims from the April 10, 2020 decision into the Appeals Modernization Act.

The Board has remanded the claims for lumbar spine disability, asthma, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), hypertension, right toe injury, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder to determine the appellant's periods of service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The representative asserts secondary service connection is warranted, and a new examination is needed.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is granted as service-connected prior to April 6, 2022.,Obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to her service-connected disabilities.,Allergic rhinitis does not warrant a disability rating in excess of 10 percent.,Hypertension does not warrant a compensable disability rating.,Painful abdominal scar and abdominal and right lower quadrant surgical scars do not warrant a compensable disability rating.,Degenerative arthritis of the spine is granted with a 40 percent disability rating, but no higher, from April 23, 2018.,Left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve is granted with a 10 percent initial disability rating from April 23, 2018 to May 27, 2021.,Left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve is denied for ratings in excess of 40 percent after May 28, 2021.,Left lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerve is granted with a 10 percent initial disability rating from July 19, 2021.,Right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve is granted with a 20 percent initial disability rating from October 10, 2021.