PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder prior to May 15, 2019 did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent.,Effective May 15, 2019, the Veteran's psychiatric conditions have met the criteria for a 100 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, pinched nerve condition, and an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for back condition prior to October 6, 2014, are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are considered to be so severe that they prevent him from obtaining or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to Military Sexual Trauma (MST) was granted with an effective date of April 4, 2016.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted a 20% rating from March 23, 2023. The Board finds reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran's hypertension warranting this increased rating.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depressive disorder) is granted.

The Veteran's Hashimoto's thyroiditis is currently rated as zero percent disabling due to normal thyroid function.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability (unspecified anxiety disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder) has been increased to 70% disabling effective July 2, 2018. The appeal for a higher rating remains pending.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and a right shoulder disability, finding that the Veteran did not have a verified in-service stressor or injury leading to these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD, persistent depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder have been rated at 100 percent effective September 12, 2018. The rating for his right upper extremity radiculopathy is denied, as is the rating for his left upper extremity radiculopathy.

An effective date of October 26, 2011 for the grant of service connection for PTSD is granted. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for hemorrhoids and TDIU prior to January 26, 2022 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or TDIU.

The Board has remanded two issues: the claim of a higher rating for PTSD with sleep disturbance and the claim for a compensable rating for tension headaches due to potential missing records from private providers.

The Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to January 24, 2011 and increased ratings for depressive disorder are denied. The case is remanded for further development regarding the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified alcohol-related disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, and the appeal for a higher rating has been denied. The Veteran was granted TDIU from January 14, 2019.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and MDD, finding that there was no evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service stressor. The Veteran's reported stressors were not corroborated, and his diagnoses did not stem from service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current PTSD diagnosis is related to his military service. The claim was based on fear of hostile military activity during deployment.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 70 percent rating prior to May 4, 2015. The TDIU issue is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to inconsistencies in his work history and the need for updated medical records and examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, unspecified depression with anxious distress and alcohol use disorder is granted effective June 16, 2011. The temporary 100% evaluation due to hospitalization for PTSD is denied as the earliest possible effective date provided by law is April 4, 2018. The initial disability rating of 50 percent for PTSD is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, finding that his current diagnoses are not related to his active service and that there is no credible evidence of a stressor event during bootcamp.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, a substance-induced mood disorder, depression, and anxiety, finding that the evidence does not support a link between these conditions and service.