PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board found that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating of 70 percent or above.

The Veteran's initial ratings for PTSD prior to August 22, 2011 are denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's asthma, PTSD with depressive disorder and opioid use disorder, and TBI ratings are all remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and bipolar disorder due to a lack of VA treatment records. The RO is instructed to attempt to obtain these records.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) as secondary to his service-connected Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to Military Sexual Trauma (MST).

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of the Veteran's service in Italy, where she claims she was sexually assaulted. The AOJ needs to obtain her National Guard service records to determine if she served at Camp Darby in Pisa, Italy.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations, outstanding treatment records, and completion of a VA Form 21-8940.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since June 21, 2011. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of records. The AOJ should clarify whether the Veteran wishes to pursue a claim for benefits related to glioblastoma, and further examination is needed for his psychiatric disability, OSA, left knee disorder, bilateral hand complaints, and CFS.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety, due to conflicting opinions on direct service connection versus secondary service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected insomnia and alcohol use disorder are found to be the primary cause of his acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD). The left knee condition is not considered secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with major depressive disorder and obstructive sleep apnea, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since January 18, 2022.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD due to MST has been granted a 50 percent rating as of April 5, 2018. The disability is characterized by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically PTSD and diabetes mellitus, have resulted in his inability to maintain a substantially gainful occupation from June 10, 2015, to the present. The Board has determined that the criteria for a Total Disability Rating based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) are met.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% prior to February 10, 2021, and 70% thereafter. A TDIU was granted effective February 10, 2021.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there is sufficient evidence to support a diagnosis of PTSD based on in-service stressors and linking those symptoms to current conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher evaluation for PTSD has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of scheduled Decision Review Office hearing. The issues are related to cardiovascular disability and PTSD, both potentially linked to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's OSA and PTSD have been granted service connection, but the rating for PTSD remains at 70 percent.