PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the case for a VA medical examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and TBI. The effective date claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression/anxiety and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression/anxiety, has been reopened. Service connection is granted for these conditions. However, the right ankle condition was denied as not incurred during active duty.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, sleep apnea, and PTSD with major depressive disorder, as well as her claim for a TDIU prior to January 14, 2020. The appeals are now pending before the RO.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective May 22, 2012. The Board also granted a TDIU due to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the severance of service connection for PTSD was improper and has restored service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if her conditions are related to service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, unspecified depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and sleep problems. The decision finds that her symptoms are related to her active service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and diabetes mellitus were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment for PTSD, nor required regulation of activities or hospitalization for diabetes.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted on a direct basis. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for OSA, kidney stones, bruxism (teeth grinding), and a back disability as secondary to other conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD prevents her from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment, as it causes occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has reopened several service connection claims but denied some, resulting in a mixed disposition. The Veteran's new evidence relates to the unestablished facts necessary for reopening these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety. The decision is based on the appellant's reported in-service stressors that are consistent with his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 70 percent since June 17, 2021. The Board finds the Veteran's PTSD symptoms more nearly approximate the level of impairment contemplated by a 70 percent disability rating throughout the period on appeal. For his bilateral pes planus and right knee conditions, the ratings remain denied.

The Veteran's service connection for hypertension is granted under the PACT Act. His PTSD with anxiety disorder remains at a 70% rating, and he is granted TDIU as of April 21, 2012. The ratings for his lumbar spine and right shoulder disabilities remain remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of entitlement to an earlier effective date for a 100 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, were not found to have begun during service or be related to any in-service events. The Board concluded that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and PTSD, rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation as of September 21, 2015. The Board has remanded the issue for further development.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the appellant's withdrawal of her appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since the beginning of the appeal period, but a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and prostate cancer have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability.