PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and remanded his service connection claims due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is required to provide updated medical records from VA and private providers.

The Veteran's claim to connect PTSD, depression, and anxiety to service has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and mood disorder. The Veteran is required to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, anxiety, and depression, should be remanded due to incomplete stressor verification and issues with the January 2023 VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since September 16, 2022. Prior to that date, he was granted a TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, a right leg disorder, and right leg scars are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations to assess current severity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted. The claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction and entitlement to total disability based on individual unemployability are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is denied, but service connection for Chronic Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood is granted.

The appeal for PTSD, also claimed as sleeping disorder, has been withdrawn. The claim for bilateral trench foot is denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service. The claims for bilateral plantar fasciitis and gastrointestinal disorder are remanded for further review. The claim for sleep apnea is also remanded.

The Board finds that the Veteran's multiple substance abuse disorders were aggravated by his service-connected disabilities and contributed to his death caused by mixed drug intoxication. Therefore, service connection for cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation of PTSD from August 13, 2018 to July 18, 2019 is granted. The Board has also determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine condition and left leg condition need further development due to conflicting medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD is denied, and the cases of increased rating for PTSD and headaches are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression were rated at 70 percent prior to January 20, 2014. The Board denied a higher rating for PTSD but granted TDIU due to service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for PTSD and Obturator nerve dysfunction due to insufficient evidence regarding the diagnoses and their relationship to service. The Veteran's claim will be further evaluated after obtaining an appropriate VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that they do not make him unable to perform daily functions or require regular assistance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date than October 2, 2018, for a 100 percent rating for PTSD. The evidence did not show that a factually ascertainable increase in disability occurred within one year prior to the date of the claim.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, migraine headaches, and eczema have prevented her from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment since September 15, 2017. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective that date.

The Veteran's claim for a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) prior to April 30, 2015 has been dismissed as moot because he is already receiving Special Monthly Compensation based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for further development and examination, including consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's appeals are being remanded due to procedural errors, and the issues on appeal will be readjudicated in their original posture from the July 2018 rating decision.