PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have significantly worsened, leading to a total disability rating of 100 percent effective July 26, 2021. The claim for TDIU is moot as the Veteran now meets the criteria for a 100% disability rating.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to VA's failure to obtain relevant treatment records from the Dallas VAMC. The Veteran is seeking increased evaluations and TDIU for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service stressors and the need for a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disability.

PTSD rating increased to 70% effective March 13, 2019.,TDIU granted with an effective date of August 26, 2020.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development and lack of supporting evidence for the Veteran's claim that his GERD is secondary to his service-connected PTSD, including as a side effect of medications used for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent evaluation, effective from November 6, 2010, and the claim for an increased rating is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not preclude him from having a full-time job prior to May 29, 2010. Therefore, his claim for TDIU prior to that date was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since May 27, 2011. TDIU is granted effective that date.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate compliance with prior remand directives and further examination is required. The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Other Specified Trauma and Stressor Related Disorder are being returned to the AOJ for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for additional dependency compensation for his spouse is denied. The effective date will be October 18, 2016, as the Veteran did not submit a claim within one year of receiving notification that he was eligible for such benefits.

The Board has granted an effective date of May 28, 2013 for the grant of a 100% rating for PTSD and SMC based on housebound status. The Veteran's symptoms related to his service-connected PTSD have resulted in total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD with anxious distress, as well as IBS secondary to service-connected PTSD, have been granted.,Service connection has been established for PTSD and MDD with anxious distress due to direct evidence of a nexus between the conditions and service. Service connection for IBS is based on its secondary relationship to service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder is dismissed as the Board finds that his symptoms are not of PTSD and he does not have a qualifying condition. The claim for service connection for Headache disorder is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder, has rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU prior to February 3, 2021, has been withdrawn.,An initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder from January 31, 2011, to February 2, 2021, is granted. The Board also remanded the issues regarding lumbar strain, left shoulder strain, and mild equinovalgus deformity of the left ankle.,The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder from January 31, 2011, to February 2, 2021, is remanded. The Board also remanded the issues regarding lumbar strain, left shoulder strain, and mild equinovalgus deformity of the left ankle.,The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar strain is remanded. The Board also remanded the issue regarding left shoulder strain and mild equinovalgus deformity of the left ankle.,The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for mild equinovalgus deformity of the left ankle is remanded. The Board also remanded the issues regarding lumbar strain, left shoulder strain, and mild equinovalgus deformity of the left ankle.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD has been granted, with the effective date being September 20, 2021.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the nature and likely cause of any psychiatric disability diagnosed during the appeal period. The Veteran's anxiety began during his deployment, with symptoms exacerbated after separation from service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding secondary service connection and the onset of his psychiatric disorders. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD based on a verified in-service stressor, resolving all doubts in the Veteran's favor.

The Veteran's TBI residuals are rated at 20 percent, and his PTSD is denied an increased rating. The right wrist disability issue requires further development.