PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Board has granted service connection for dysthymic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and PTSD. The claim for PTSD is remanded due to an inadequate VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding records and for further development, including obtaining service treatment records and private treatment records from a counselor and a psychologist.

The Board has dismissed the TDIU claim from September 1, 2017 as moot due to the Veteran's 100% rating for PTSD. The issue of TDIU prior to September 1, 2017 is remanded and requires additional information from the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left ankle disorder has been reopened. The initial rating for PTSD was increased to 50% prior to January 27, 2023, and denied thereafter. A rating in excess of 10% is denied for the right wrist carpal navicular fracture. Service connection claims for OSA, CFS, and fibromyalgia are remanded.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of October 26, 2015 for the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities causing occupational impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, atrial fibrillation, bilateral plantar fasciitis, PTSD, and hypothyroidism have all been denied.,There is no current diagnosis of any of these conditions in the record.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to a personal assault during service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted due to his service-connected PTSD, as the evidence shows he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to this disability.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating of PTSD and TDIU is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence that has not been considered by the RO.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous remand directives, and a new VA examination is required to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for IBS and for a higher rating for PTSD due to incomplete medical opinions and outstanding records.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a left knee disability, psychiatric disability (claimed as PTSD), and sleep disability due to incomplete development.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been withdrawn and dismissed.,Service connection for right knee degeneration is denied.,Service connection for low back condition is denied.,The case of service connection for right shoulder rotator cuff disorder is remanded.

The Board has determined that there was not substantial compliance with the remand directives and has therefore remanded the case for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD and depression) has been reopened, and the claim is now granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for sinus bradycardia was denied as no new and material evidence was submitted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder. The Veteran was provided a VA examination in January 2023 but it was found inadequate. A new medical examination and opinion are required to address the diagnoses of record and any potential secondary service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate examination and unclear etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric conditions. The issues include an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depression, anxiety) and alcohol abuse disorder.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral spine strain has been withdrawn. Service connection for OSA is granted, and the Veteran receives a 70 percent rating for PTSD. TDIU is also granted.