PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that this rating is appropriate based on the symptoms described in the medical records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether obesity is a substantial factor in causing or aggravating the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, and whether PTSD is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder (previously rated as OCD with depressive disorder) has been dismissed because he withdrew the appeal in February 2022.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70% and denied for a higher rating. The respiratory disorder claim is remanded.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection of chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD) as the evidence did not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date prior to July 25, 2016.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and unspecified anxiety disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his military service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was rated at 70% throughout the appeal period, but he maintained substantial employment. The Board found that his disability did not render him unemployable for substantially gainful work.

The Veteran's PTSD with other anxiety disorders is rated at a 70 percent disability rating prior to September 6, 2016.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraines is remanded and will be adjudicated again.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to November 8, 2016. He was also granted SMC at the housebound rate for his service-connected disabilities during this period.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 70 percent since August 18, 2016.,The Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated at 30 percent since August 18, 2016.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to incomplete compliance with previous remand directives and need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability (TDIU) is dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back and neck disorders were denied, but new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen these claims. Service connection is granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection of acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and MDD) was previously denied, but the appeal is granted as her symptoms are related to active-duty service.

The Board dismissed all issues of service connection and related reopening claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and TDIU was dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or maintain any substantially gainful occupation, and thus grants his claim for a TDIU.

The Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is granted. The Veteran also has a rating of 40 percent for lumbar degenerative disc disease beginning October 23, 2020.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete medical records and the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 30 percent effective April 5, 2019. The Veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for a 100% evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional private treatment records, particularly from his regular psychiatric providers.