PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating greater than 50 percent for PTSD with alcohol and cannabis use disorder was denied because he failed to appear for a scheduled VA examination without good cause.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU during the period from May 10, 2017 to December 19, 2021. The case is being remanded for extraschedular consideration.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's intent to file a claim was received on January 18, 2018. The decision is based on the date VA received his intent form and not due to any new evidence or changes in law.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for low back disability, cervical dysplasia, post-traumatic stress disorder with depressive disorder, and plantar fasciitis of the bilateral feet. The Veteran's new evidence is sufficient to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left knee disability was denied. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent disabling from December 4, 2019, and granted total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective May 17, 2021. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms warranted a 70 percent rating throughout the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the claims for a broken right zygomatic arch, missing tooth for VA compensation, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression, GAD, panic disorder, and/or PTSD), sleep disorder, facial scars, and back disability due to incomplete development of records.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and right foot pes planus, finding that the Veteran's reported stressor events were not corroborated and that his preexisting right foot condition was not aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder is rated at 30 percent prior to June 10, 2019 and at 50 percent from that date onwards. The rating for the left ankle disability was increased to 30 percent from January 26, 2022 onwards.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened. The appeal of the rating in excess of 20 percent for left knee instability is dismissed. The claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD and depression or TBI, are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete medical records and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD and a schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, as well as his claim for TDIU due to lack of evidence supporting these claims.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Depression due to an in-service sexual assault. After considering all evidence, including a recent private opinion linking these conditions to her service, the Board finds that service connection is warranted.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disability, including mood disorder, major depression, and PTSD due to potential asbestos exposure during service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted on a schedular basis from September 25, 2017. The Board has also remanded the issue of TDIU on an extraschedular basis prior to September 25, 2017.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and determining if a Social Security disability claim was filed.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD with MDD is being remanded due to a procedural error.

The Veteran's claims for posttraumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, and thoracic outlet syndrome with cervicalgia have all been granted. The diagnoses are linked to in-service military sexual trauma and injuries sustained during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his psychiatric disorder, COPD, and lung tumor.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, right ankle ligament laxity, shoulder conditions, and other residuals, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to March 18, 2020. Basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits is also established.