PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Board has denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date than September 5, 2017 for his service-connected PTSD. The appeal regarding the lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to a lack of communication prior to September 5, 2017.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for his lumbar spine disability remains pending and requires further examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to PTSD are being remanded as the Board finds that VA did not fulfill its duty to assist in obtaining relevant medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as he does not have a current disability for VA purposes.,The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent, and the Board found that this rating is appropriate given his symptoms.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and Barrett's esophagus are granted a 60 percent rating effective November 22, 2022.,PTSD is granted a 50 percent rating from November 22, 2022.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and alcohol use disorder, has been reopened. The case is remanded to obtain a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of all diagnosed psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's appeal for increased disability ratings and SMC is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of the record.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, finding that there is not an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence to support the claim.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, panic disorder, and major depressive disorder with anxious distress renders him unable to engage in substantially gainful employment since September 20, 2014. The Board has granted entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) for this period.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for various ratings and TDIU claims related to his low back disability, frostbite residuals in his left hand, PTSD, and TDIU prior to May 31, 2017. The appeal was withdrawn by the Veteran's attorney.

The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete records and the need for further verification of the Veteran's claimed stressor incident. The issues include service connection for PTSD, service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to PTSD, and an increased rating for a left great toe fracture.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, PTSD, diabetes mellitus type II, tinnitus, and left ear hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that he is entitled to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, and no service connection was granted or denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate evidence and incomplete verification of the Veteran's in-service stressor. The claim will be returned for further development, including a new VA examination and an attempt to corroborate the claimed stressor.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding his claimed stressors and the need for a new VA examination to determine if he meets the criteria for PTSD or other acquired psychiatric disorders. The issues of TDIU are also inextricably intertwined with the service connection claims.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with TBI was denied, and his claim for a 10 percent rating for migraine headaches with aura as secondary to PTSD with TBI was granted.

The Board has remanded three issues: the rating for PTSD and alcohol use disorder, the rating for Meniere's syndrome with vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus, and the TDIU claim. The Veteran is to be provided a VA examination for each issue.

The Veteran's appeals for hypertension and a higher PTSD rating have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals.

The case is remanded due to insufficient information to verify the Veteran's reported stressors in service and for a VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of his claimed psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. The VA is directed to obtain additional records and conduct a VA examination to determine if there is at least as likely as not a nexus between his acquired psychiatric disorder and military service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for PTSD was denied, and the Board found that he is not entitled to a TDIU as his service-connected PTSD does not meet the criteria for a TDIU due to insufficient evidence of total disability.