PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings of PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected. The cases for left-hand, left leg, left shoulder, and neck disabilities are remanded for further examination and opinion. The case for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss and a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for low back strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional VA and private treatment records.

The Veteran's total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is dismissed as moot because he is already receiving a combined 100 percent schedular rating for multiple service-connected disabilities.

All claims for increased ratings are granted. Effective January 13, 2016, the Veteran is granted service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy and a rating of 70 percent for TBI. Ratings of 30 percent are granted for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy with femoral nerve involvement effective November 29, 2021. The Veteran's PTSD is rated as 30 percent prior to May 30, 2023, and 50 percent from that date.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for IBS and dysthymic disorder were denied due to failure to attend scheduled VA examinations without providing good cause.,Service connection claims for cardiovascular, bipolar, and PTSD disorders were also denied as the evidence did not support a finding of an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran is granted an initial 70 percent rating for PTSD, unspecified depressive disorder, unspecified anxiety disorder, and cocaine use disorder. The effective date remains March 18, 2011.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of PTSD and right shoulder condition due to potential worsening symptoms since their last examinations. The Veteran will need new VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disability, skin disability, and PTSD as there was no credible evidence of in-service stressors or exposure to herbicides. The Veteran's statements regarding his alleged exposures were found to be inaccurate.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of the Veteran's claimed stressors for PTSD. The claim will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional development regarding exposure to toxic substances and stressor events. The cervical spine, diabetes mellitus, and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) claims are also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as a need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU were not pending at the time of his death, as he did not provide information requested by VA within one year after receiving notice. Therefore, these claims are denied on accrued benefits basis.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and further development is required.

The Veteran was found unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to service-connected PTSD, which prevented him from working. The Board granted a TDIU rating for the period from August 28, 2018, to April 8, 2021.

The Veteran's death was not due to willful misconduct, but his death was not the result of a condition that he had been rated as totally disabled for at least 10 years prior to his death. The appeal is remanded to obtain outstanding treatment records.

The appeal for service connection for a low back disability is dismissed.,Service connection for coronary artery disease and hypertension are granted due to exposure to herbicide agents, with the PACT Act providing presumptive service connection for hypertension. Service connection for PTSD is also granted based on in-service combat experience.,Remanded issues: service connection for fragment wounds to the left arm, right arm, and head.

Service connection is granted for psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depression.,Service connection is granted for right shoulder impingement syndrome due to aggravation during service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including mood disorder, depressive disorder, major depressive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder with alcohol dependence, are rated at a 70 percent disability level effective from September 23, 2020.

The appeal for service connection for degenerative arthritis is dismissed. The appeals for service connection for cold injury residuals to the feet, lumbosacral strain, gastrointestinal condition, acquired psychiatric disorder, and hypertension are all remanded.