PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for increased PTSD rating and service connection for neuropathy in multiple extremities are remanded due to insufficient examination details, incomplete development of Social Security Administration records, and the need for a VA opinion regarding peripheral neuropathy etiology.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and the Board has remanded both issues for further review.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD with Depressive Disorder and TDIU prior to February 2, 2023 are being remanded due to the addition of new evidence after a recent SSOC.

The Board has remanded the claims for character of discharge and service connection under Chapter 17 for PTSD, Sleep Apnea, Migraine Disability, and Hypertension due to potential issues with the appellant's UOTHC discharge from service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, lumbar spine disability, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, rendered him unable to secure or maintain a substantially gainful occupation from February 22, 2011 to January 31, 2012. The Board granted entitlement to a TDIU rating on an extraschedular basis for this period.

The Board has restored a 100% rating for PTSD, effective December 1, 2018, finding that the evidence did not show actual improvement in the Veteran's condition under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, but remanded the secondary service connection claim for MDD and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete verification of the Veteran's reported PTSD stressor event in service. The claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, are now pending.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression, anxiety, and PTSD), a sleep disability, hemorrhoids, a right hip disability, and chronic joint pain. The evidence did not support the Veteran's claims of in-service onset or relationship to service.

The Board has found that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The case will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings on multiple service-connected disabilities, including cervical radiculopathy, degenerative joint disease of the neck and shoulder, PTSD, and arthritis of the wrist, is remanded due to need for additional examinations. Additionally, his claim for service connection for arthritis of the joints, potentially related to exposure in Southwest Asia, is also remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 100% rating from March 21, 2019. However, he is not entitled to a TDIU prior to March 10, 2018.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for tinnitus, PTSD, and hypertension are denied. Service connection for a back disorder, tension headaches, and vertigo is also denied.,An initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which reflects occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board found the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has denied a higher rating for the left knee disability and remanded the service connection claims. The case is now being returned to the AOJ for further action.

The VA has awarded a 30 percent rating for cervical spine disability effective May 25, 2016. The appellant's claim was received within one year of the Intent to File.

The Board has granted an initial disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD from January 4, 2012 to February 17, 2015 and from June 1, 2015. The Veteran is also granted a TDIU during these periods.

The appeals for service connection for PTSD, right knee scars, left knee scars, and an earlier effective date for SMC due to housebound status are dismissed. The application to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a left eye disorder is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70 percent rating, effective from August 2, 2012. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected PTSD is also granted. As of March 13, 2019, the criteria for statutory housebound are met.