PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's appeal to reopen claims for sickle cell anemia was dismissed. Claims for digestive disorder, headaches, high blood pressure, sinus disorder, and sleep apnea were granted. The remaining issues of service connection for vision disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, joint pain, and psychiatric disorders are remanded.

The Board has decided that a remand is necessary due to the need for updated medical records and an examination to determine if any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (coronary heart disease, PTSD, and bilateral hearing loss) prevent him from securing and following any substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and diabetes mellitus, type II have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since May 16, 2011. The Board has granted entitlement to a total disability evaluation based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) from that date.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's failure to report for PTSD examinations, and requests that VA seek a teleconference examination if possible.

The Board dismissed all appeals related to various disability ratings and effective dates for service connection, as the Veteran withdrew her appeal in its entirety.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to July 23, 2019 is rated at 50 percent and his PTSD from July 23, 2019 is rated at 70 percent. The claim for TDIU prior to July 23, 2019 is being remanded.,The Veteran's PTSD has been increased to 70 percent effective July 23, 2019. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU prior to this date remains pending and will be submitted for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal for increased PTSD evaluation, TDIU, and SMC due to incomplete information regarding his employment status during the relevant period. The Veteran is asked to provide evidence of his income and occupations from August 2, 2015, to September 20, 2018.

The Veteran's TDIU and DEA benefits are granted effective December 22, 2009. The decision also grants the Veteran a 70 percent rating for PTSD since December 22, 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial 70 percent rating, but the issue of a higher rating is remanded for further development.

The Board has decided that a new examination is needed due to the Veteran's reported worsening symptoms and new social and occupational impairment related to his PTSD.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, CFS, lumbar and dorsal spine disorders, right wrist disorder, and right knee disorder. The claims are being remanded to allow for further investigation and medical opinions.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the Veteran to undergo VA examinations and obtain additional medical records in order to determine the nature, severity, and etiology of his claimed conditions. The issues of entitlement to service connection are also being remanded.

The Veteran's right shoulder rotator cuff strain is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds this rating to be appropriate.,For the period from October 31, 2014, to June 9, 2022, the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine strain with residual of painful range of motion and scoliosis post-fracture is rated at 40 percent. The Board finds this rating to be appropriate.,For the period from June 10, 2022, onward, the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine strain with residual of painful range of motion and scoliosis post-fracture is rated at 10 percent. The Board finds this rating to be appropriate.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, plantar fasciitis, and scar left hand ring finger precluded him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to September 24, 2014. The Board granted a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) on an extraschedular basis for this period.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened, and the case is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his PTSD. The case for a skin disability is also remanded as no VA examination has been conducted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is at least as likely as not related to in-service personal assaults, and thus grants service connection for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current PTSD is not related to his military service and denied service connection for PTSD. The issues of service connection for Anxiety condition, Major Depression, Sleep Disturbances, and Drug Abuse are remanded due to a lack of opinion regarding their relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, vertigo, GERD, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to inconsistencies in previous opinions and lack of substantial compliance with prior remand directives.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD because the evidence does not show a current disability of PTSD.