PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability and an increased rating for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. The Board has determined that these issues are inextricably intertwined and requires further development, including obtaining updated medical records and completing additional evidentiary development for the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's PTSD rating is being remanded due to the need for a new examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), finding that the current diagnoses are related to a verified in-service psychological stressor.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for several issues, including obtaining updated service treatment records and seeking opinions regarding the Veteran's PTSD, knees, sleep apnea, and migraines. The TDIU issue remains inapplicable until all other claims are resolved.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is denied. The Board finds that the current symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD remains at a 70 percent rating, but the Board has decided to remand both his claim for an increased rating and his TDIU claim due to incomplete information regarding his employment status during the appeal period.

The Board has denied requests for earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for anxiety disorder, PTSD, and sleep apnea. The case is remanded to obtain a VA examination for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim seeking an earlier effective date prior to April 2, 2015, for the assignment of a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD based on clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in an April 2015 rating decision is dismissed without prejudice to refiling.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including major depressive disorder and PTSD). The appellant is eligible to receive accrued benefits up to $4,020.18 for expenses related to her mother's burial.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete STRs and conflicting medical opinions.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety disability is now rated at 70 percent, effective June 6, 2019. The decision also granted service connection for PTSD and Recurrent Major Depressive Disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for clarification regarding his mental health diagnoses, specifically whether they were caused or aggravated by his now service-connected inguinal hernia.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent since September 12, 2005. The issue of TDIU from September 12, 2005, through July 9, 2008, is dismissed as the Veteran now has a total schedular rating for his only service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, and PTSD; and sleep apnea. The claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including GAD, PTSD, and depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional development. The AOJ will schedule the Veteran for a VA psychiatric examination to determine the etiology of his psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of any outstanding medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that there was no current diagnosis and noting previous diagnoses of depressive disorder. The evidence did not support a finding of service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating from September 16, 2016. A TDIU rating is granted for the period prior to January 19, 2021.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric conditions, including TBI, are granted at a 50% rating prior to October 27, 2014 and at a 70% rating from August 2, 2019 until July 13, 2022. A separate compensable rating for residuals of the TBI is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and a higher rating for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder with Insomnia Disorder have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of chronic fatigue syndrome, and his symptoms are more consistent with a 50% disability rating.