PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's PTSD claim is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and consideration of whether additional evidence supports an increased rating.

The Veteran's PTSD and bilateral hearing loss have been granted, with a TDIU effective November 6, 2017.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the separation of symptoms between PTSD and TBI, as well as the frequency and severity of his migraine headaches.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since October 1, 2013. The Board finds that a higher rating is warranted due to suicidal ideation and occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. However, the issue of an increased disability rating for PTSD and entitlement to TDIU are remanded as new evidence may be needed.

The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete VA examinations and a need for additional evidence, particularly from Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and sleep apnea, rendered him unable to work since October 2015. Effective from May 18, 2016, the Veteran is granted a TDIU and basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA).

The Veteran's PTSD is granted service connection. The right eye condition, bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathy are all remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including alcohol use disorder and other stress related disorder, are service-connected as they were caused by his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, and further development is required.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from May 18, 2019, with a previous rating of 50 percent prior to that date. The appeal was granted for the higher rating.

The Veteran's prostate disability and erectile dysfunction are currently rated at 20 percent and the PTSD is rated at 70 percent. The Board has ordered additional examinations to assess current severity of these conditions, as well as obtaining updated VA treatment records for all issues.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and right knee residuals are remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and records. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it may be impacted by the other issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraines has been reopened and granted. Service connection is also granted for PTSD, with a rating of 100 percent effective July 3, 2018. The issues of service connection for encephalopathy (secondary to PTSD), hypertension (secondary to PTSD), earlier effective date for TDIU, and SMCs are remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for a higher disability evaluation for PTSD prior to July 16, 2015, and an earlier effective date for TDIU prior to July 16, 2015, are dismissed.

The appeal for service connection for sleep disturbance, including sleep apnea is dismissed. The rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with other specified depressive disorder is denied and the case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, is related to service and the claim for service connection has been granted.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder, finding no credible evidence to support the Veteran's claimed stressor during military service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran is eligible for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. The hypertension issue remains pending and requires further examination.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD due to MST, delusional disorder due to MST, and adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood, has been reopened. The Board finds that new and material evidence supports the reopening of his claim and grants service connection.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for acquired mental health disability, including PTSD and depression. The Veteran's statements regarding in-service stressors have been accepted as credible evidence, and there is a competent medical opinion linking his anxiety disorder to military sexual trauma experienced during service.