PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is granted, and the case is remanded for further action regarding TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and restless leg syndrome are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding etiology.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has decided to remand the case for further evaluation of his disability.

The Veteran is entitled to a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability prior to February 13, 2015 due to his service-connected disabilities. On or after February 13, 2015, the combined rating of his service-connected disabilities does not meet the criteria for TDIU.

The Board has found that a new VA examination is needed for the Veteran's lichen planus, and remands his claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, hypertension, migraines, and seizures as secondary to his service-connected lichen planus. The Veteran was not provided with adequate examinations or opinions regarding these issues.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, including difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances at work and personal relationships. The Board has granted a higher rating of 70 percent for the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD is granted as it meets the criteria for service connection.,The Veteran's claims for left knee, right foot plantar fasciitis, and left foot plantar fasciitis are remanded due to lack of sufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD is remanded, and his claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is also remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with alcohol use disorder prior to December 5, 2022 was denied. The Veteran also received an award of TDIU effective May 2, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and maintaining a substantially gainful occupation during the period on appeal.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the merits of the Veteran's claims, including for her PTSD, bilateral plantar fasciitis, left and right restless leg syndromes, low back disability, and right knee disability. The appeal will be remanded to allow for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100% effective October 26, 2015. He also received a 100% rating for his service-connected PTSD prior to that date. The Veteran was granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance throughout the appeal period. Financial assistance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied because his claimed stressor could not be corroborated and he failed to assist in providing evidence that would support the occurrence of the stressor.

The Board has decided to remand the issues of entitlement to a higher rating for PTSD prior to November 10, 2022 and entitlement to TDIU as part of the Veteran's appeal. The claims are being returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's right knee disability, including service connection for various other conditions. The claims are being returned for further development and examination.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and bilateral metatarsalgia, as well as whether these conditions are related to service. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be remanded.

Service connection is granted for PTSD, bilateral foot disability, and TBI. Service connection remains pending for cardiac disability, liver disability, spleen disability, lumbar spine disability, and right and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD and related conditions, which have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has also determined that SMC is not warranted based on housebound status.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected PTSD is remanded due to the lack of recent medical records and an outdated VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, left foot condition, right foot condition, left ankle condition, right ankle condition, and left knee condition are remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee condition have not been addressed in this decision.