PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a disability rating of 100 percent for the entire appeal period, due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new VA examination. The claims file was updated with recent treatment records, and the Veteran was asked to provide a new VA Form 21-8940 and release of medical information.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and COPD, as they are related to his service-connected PTSD. The VA examination was conducted but no medical opinion was provided.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse and cannabis use is currently rated at 50 percent prior to January 10, 2022, and denied for a higher rating. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have not met the criteria for a higher disability rating.,From January 10, 2022, the Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse and cannabis use is rated at 70 percent and remains denied for a higher rating. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms continue to meet the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, finding that her current mental health problems are due to her military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for OSA as secondary to PTSD and for a TDIU prior to April 5, 2022 due to insufficient medical opinions. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD and MDD was denied, while her TDIU claim is remanded due to incomplete records.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and alcohol use disorder prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since December 2, 2020. Service connection for alcohol use disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for a 70 percent rating for PTSD is denied, and the claim for a higher disability rating for PTSD remains denied.

The Veteran's TDIU is granted from November 1, 2017 through May 6, 2022. The Board finds remand necessary for a Sharp compliant examination and opinion regarding the back disability, as well as an assessment of functional ankylosis. Additionally, SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound is also remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for PTSD, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity require additional development due to incomplete medical records and need for a new VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and providing an etiology opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD due to unreconciled differences between VA opinions, questions about a possible PTSD diagnosis not discussed, buddy statements with lay evidence regarding etiology, and raised the possibility of secondary service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder has caused him to be unable to work since early 2020, as he last worked in that timeframe. His mental health conditions have significantly impacted his ability to maintain employment due to symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and difficulty adapting to stressful situations.

The Board has found the Veteran's claim for TDIU moot from September 30, 2014. However, due to unclear information regarding employment prior to that date, the case is being remanded for further development and adjudication.

The Board has remanded the case due to new theories of service connection for sleep apnea, including as secondary to PTSD and obesity caused by other service-connected disabilities. The Veteran needs a VA medical opinion on these issues.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling since November 23, 2016. The Board granted a higher rating of 70 percent for the period prior to November 23, 2016.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new evidence raising additional questions. The appellant's PTSD and bipolar disorder are being reviewed, as well as her bronchitis claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of a VA examination and for obtaining pertinent treatment records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD is now pending.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and examinations.