PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for an initial 70 percent rating for PTSD with depression and substance dependence is granted, but the TDIU claim is denied.

The petition to reopen the previously denied claim for PTSD is granted. The Veteran's low back disorder remains denied, and the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability including PTSD and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD results in difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances and impaired impulse control, warranting a rating of 70 percent. The claim for TDIU is remanded as the agency of original jurisdiction needs to provide the Veteran with VA form 21-8940 and request that he complete and return it.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety disorder and PTSD, is related to her military service. The appeal for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, left ankle recurrent sprain, TBI, and headaches were denied. The claim to reopen service connection for low back disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and right ankle disorder was also denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate addendum opinions. The Veteran's TBI and PTSD are being considered separately, and his sleep disorder is being evaluated as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there is no evidence of total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to military service.,Service connection is also denied for an acquired psychiatric disorder, likely PTSD, as the Veteran's statements regarding onset are inconsistent with medical records.

PTSD ratings remain denied prior to September 30, 2022 and since then.,Dermatitis rating remains denied. No compensable rating is assigned.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for updated examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The Veteran's claim is being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for sleep apnea, which is claimed to be secondary to deviated septum and PTSD. The Veteran submitted medical treatises that suggest a link between these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, tinnitus, and hearing loss, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to January 1, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to September 16, 2019. As a result, the claim for TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression were denied for periods prior to January 13, 2016, and from January 13, 2016, to August 10, 2019.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent from September 13, 2022. The criteria for a higher rating are not met.,The Veteran's residuals of prostate cancer are currently rated at 20 percent from September 15, 2022. The criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective December 21, 2011. An earlier effective date for this rating is denied.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, finding that the evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD and thus cannot establish service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to MST and determined that there is new and material evidence to support her claim. The Board also found that she meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD related to her in-service MST.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a request for information about the qualifications of the VA examiner who provided the most recent examination. The Veteran's increased rating claim for PTSD will be reconsidered.