PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including increased ratings for bipolar disorder, post-concussive headaches, and lumbar disc herniation. The TDIU claim is also on hold until all other claims are addressed.

The Veteran's income exceeded the maximum annual pension rate, and he was receiving a higher service-connected compensation benefit. Therefore, his appeal for nonservice-connected pension is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and tinnitus were denied in February 2016, but the effective date was set to April 2, 2018. The Board found that there is no earlier unadjudicated claim and thus denied an earlier effective date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of increased PTSD rating, service connection for lumbar strain, and right shoulder disability due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records from the Lowell Vet Center and scheduling a VA examination to address his claimed psychiatric and right shoulder disabilities. The claims will be reconsidered after these actions are completed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including updated medical examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a maximum schedular rating of 100 percent effective October 6, 2022. Claims for left knee disability, right ankle disability, and right ear hearing loss were granted with new evidence. Other claims are being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for migraine headaches, thyroid condition, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), and heart condition due to incomplete VA treatment records and an inadequate April 2012 addendum opinion for PTSD.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, should be remanded due to insufficient evidence of service connection.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, is granted a disability rating of 70 percent throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches as secondary to PTSD is granted. The claims for sleep disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, muscle pain, joint pain, hair loss, and TDIU are withdrawn.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as incurred in service, with a medical opinion linking the current condition to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, but the issues regarding back disability, bursitis, and anemia are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development due to the need for additional evidence and evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and its relationship to service-connected bilateral knee disability. The claim will be further developed with an addendum medical opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to be related to his current diagnoses of OSA, hypertension, GERD, heart disease, and stroke. The Veteran's headaches are rated as 50% disabling throughout the appeal period.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 70 percent disabling for PTSD, but remanded the case to obtain additional medical records and update the claims file.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, requiring a new one that addresses causation and aggravation of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for diabetes has been granted. The case is remanded for further development and rating actions.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability is granted, and his PTSD is granted at a 50% evaluation. The Veteran's PTSD does not warrant an increased rating.