PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are related to his in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of total disability due to individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied. The TDIU was granted on December 4, 2017, based on service-connected PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a new VA examination and additional records, including treatment from non-VA providers. The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent.

The Veteran's GERD and PTSD have been granted service connection, with a 70% disability rating for PTSD. The right wrist scar issue was denied, but the TDIU claim due to PTSD alone has been granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD was granted effective June 26, 2013. The Board found that the date of receipt of the intent to file a claim (June 26, 2013) met the criteria for an effective date.

The Veteran's PTSD with polysubstance abuse is rated at 50 percent throughout the appeal period, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and effective dates have been dismissed. The Board also found that the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU from November 18, 2015 through January 24, 2017 due to his service-connected PTSD and major depressive disorder with secondary alcohol abuse.

The Board has granted the Veteran's appeal for reversal of the discontinuation of reduced work tolerance (RWT) VR&E services and remanded to determine if retroactive induction into RWT VR&E services from January 2019 is warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and non-VA treatment records, SSA hearing transcript, and other relevant documents.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder for the one-year appeal period prior to his non-initial rating claim remains at issue. The Board finds that an increased rating does not constitute a full grant of benefits sought on appeal and thus, this matter must be remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is rated at 70 percent, effective from September 2, 2009. The appeal for TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for left-ear hearing loss and right-ear hearing loss have been granted. Claims for left knee disorder, right knee disorder, left shoulder disorder, low back disorder, and acquired mental disorder (PTSD) are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder was denied as there is no evidence that his current symptoms are caused by an in-service stressor or any other incident of active service.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The case is remanded due to the need to verify a reported in-service stressor.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of PTSD service connection due to withdrawal by the appellant. The sleep apnea claim is remanded for further consideration.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have worsened, and a new examination is needed to determine the current severity of his disability. The TDIU claim is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the cause of the Veteran's death was due to blunt force injuries, and they have requested an addendum opinion from a VA psychiatrist or psychologist regarding whether PTSD contributed to the cause of death.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of specific facts during the appeal process, including a chest pain incident and suicidal ideation.

The Veteran's tinnitus and left knee strain with degenerative arthritis are granted service connection. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is denied, and the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) is remanded.