PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to a verified in-service stressor, and the Board has granted service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, increased rating for prostate cancer, and total disability based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded several claims, including those for increased evaluations and service connection. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a rating in excess of 20 percent for a left shoulder disability are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is related to his military service. The Veteran needs a VA examination to provide an opinion on this matter.

The Veteran's right knee condition is granted a noncompensable rating, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) is granted.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted effective August 10, 2022, pursuant to The PACT Act of 2022. Other issues remain unresolved and are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was denied, and his claim for an increased rating for TBI residuals (which includes an acquired psychiatric disability) was also denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for left knee disabilities due to new evidence provided by the Veteran during her hearings, and because of the need for further examinations.

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

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions, including CAD, DM, chronic kidney failure, COPD, and PTSD, finding that there was not sufficient evidence to establish a link between these conditions and his active-duty service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to his military service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right foot disability, left foot disability, psychiatric disorder, dental disability, and back disability are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the cases for obtaining Vet Center treatment records and determining if an earlier effective date can be assigned for the PTSD rating and SMC based on housebound status.

The Board granted the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C. § 1114 (s), effective September 1, 2010, based on his service-connected PTSD and other disabilities that combined to meet the criteria.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, is granted. The right shoulder disability case is remanded for further development. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim.

The Veteran's PTSD was not found to meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent prior to January 26, 2022 and in excess of 70 percent thereafter.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, finding that her current conditions are at least as likely as not related to an in-service stressor.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and lack of verification regarding combat incidents in Germany. The Veteran is requested to provide information about his combat experiences during service.

The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, to include anxiety, depression, and nervousness has been reopened. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD with alcohol abuse prior to January 4, 2019, is denied. The Board has remanded the issues of a higher rating for left knee disability and TDIU due to inextricably intertwined nature.