PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Board granted a 70% rating for PTSD effective February 18, 2004. The issues of service connection for a shortened left leg and bilateral foot conditions were remanded. Fees in the amount of $40,134.28 are granted to the Veteran's former attorney.

The reduction in rating from 70% to 50% for PTSD with persistent depressive disorder was improper and the original 70% rating is restored. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the criteria for a TDIU, granted effective as of February 21, 2022.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and his left knee status post gunshot wound is rated at 10 percent. The Veteran also received separate ratings for left knee instability (30%) and scars (10%). Other issues related to service connection or TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder, PTSD, and nightmare disorder, is rated at 10 percent from August 4, 2018 through October 31, 2019, and at 30 percent from November 1, 2019. The appeal for higher initial disability ratings has been denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as due to a personal assault during service.,Right shoulder DJD and dislocation are granted, with continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and the Board has denied a higher rating. The issue of TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating, as they resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a skin disorder are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension with chronic kidney disease and PTSD have been reopened, but the right shoulder disability claim remains denied. The case is remanded to consider the PTSD claim on its merits.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD, is related to service or aggravated by his service-connected tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death, and no service connection issues were decided.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of September 14, 2016. The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD manifested prior to this date and that new evidence received within one year of the April 2017 denial supported his claim.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, and remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, back condition, left foot condition, and right foot condition.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his service connection claim for PTSD was granted. The case is now remanded for further development, including a VA examination and review of the Veteran's stressor allegations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not cause his death, but there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding whether it contributed substantially to his death. The Board grants the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient notice for PTSD claims based on personal assault and a need for an examination to determine if the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to his in-service stressor. The Veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD stemming from an alleged assault during basic military training.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right and left shoulder, knee, ulna/radius fracture, wrist compound fracture, lumbar compression fracture with degenerative disc disease, and PTSD. The issues include determining service connection for these conditions and assigning appropriate disability ratings.

The Veteran's appeal for additional VR&E services, including training to pursue a medical degree, was granted. The Board found that the Veteran had service-connected disabilities and functional limitations that made it necessary to change his rehabilitation goal from biomedical sciences to medicine.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches and remanded the remaining issues of service connection for bilateral foot condition, IBS, PTSD, and TDIU.

The claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for TBI with cognitive and sleep disorder is dismissed.,The claim for an effective date prior to June 26, 2017, for a separate evaluation for headaches, status post TBI is dismissed.,The claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is denied.,The claims for effective dates prior to October 5, 2006, for the grant of service connection for breathing disability with shortness of breath and PTSD are denied.,The claims for ratings in excess of 20 percent for left shoulder and right shoulder disabilities are dismissed as they were not factually ascertainable within a year prior to June 26, 2017.,The claim for TDIU is dismissed as the Veteran's combined disability rating from June 26, 2017, already meets the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.