PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but no higher, effective from December 14, 2010. The appeal for a TDIU remains pending.

The Board dismissed all issues related to the veteran's claims for PTSD, asthma, allergies, and service connection due to a withdrawal of appeal by the appellant.

The Veteran's dental condition for treatment purposes is being remanded due to lack of evidence.,Service connection for the skin disability remains denied as there are no compensable conditions found. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to determine if his current symptoms warrant an increased rating.,The claim for left arm scars is inextricably intertwined with the skin disability claim and will also be remanded.,PTSD and depression claims remain pending due to insufficient evidence of service connection or exposure to Gulf War toxins.,Further evaluation is needed to determine if the Veteran's current symptoms meet criteria for a diagnosis of depression.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for HIV, blindness secondary to HIV, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) secondary to HIV due to insufficient medical opinions and missing SSA records.

The Veteran's scar, status post left breast biopsy, is granted a 10 percent rating beginning January 6, 2020. The Veteran's prior requests for higher ratings are denied. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and breast tumors are remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected, while his bilateral hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disorder are denied.,Service connection for the right elbow disability, left elbow disability, and back disability remains pending due to need for additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. Another remand is required.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD was dismissed because the RO granted service connection for PTSD with alcohol use disorder, which encompasses all acquired psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and he was granted TDIU effective April 26, 2022. The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD did not meet criteria for a higher rating or total disability due to service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to his in-service stressors and resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depression has been reopened, and the Board is remanding the case to allow for a new VA examination to determine if his acquired psychiatric disorders are related to in-service events.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not cause or contribute to his death, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss disability were denied effective dates prior to the ones requested.,The Veteran's claim for bladder incontinence and bowel incontinence, as well as hammer toes, is being remanded for further development.

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

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of various conditions due to the appellant's withdrawal of these claims. The claim for a higher rating for PTSD remains pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further development. The issues include psychiatric disabilities, substance abuse disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD and persistent depressive disorder, is related to his combat service in Vietnam. The Board granted service connection for these conditions based on the presumption of service connection due to combat exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and Alcohol Dependence based on verified in-service stressors and the Veteran's current diagnoses.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and a substance use disorder or its residuals. The decision was based on the lack of evidence linking the current disabilities to service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depressive and anxiety disorder has rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since August 18, 2013. The Board found that his disabilities were so severe as to preclude all forms of substantially gainful employment.