PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause of the Veteran's death, specifically related to PTSD and alcoholism.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development on issues related to PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, lumbar strain, knee conditions, and sinus condition.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating of 70 percent for his acquired psychiatric disorder is granted. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for the same condition is denied. New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for a cervical strain (now also claimed as a neck disability). Service connection for PTSD, tinea versicolor, and sinusitis is denied. Service connection for other conditions related to Gulf War exposures and other hazardous exposure is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied due to lack of new and material evidence, as well as a failure to establish a current disability or link between in-service stressors and current symptoms. Service connection was also not granted for asbestos exposure and respiratory disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation of 100 percent for bipolar disorder with PTSD features is granted, effective September 19, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for CFS was denied as there is no diagnosis of CFS in accordance with VA regulation during the pendency of his claim.,The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was also denied due to lack of evidence showing total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and non-VA treatment records, as well as scheduling VA examinations to address the Veteran's service-connected conditions and aid and attendance/housebound status.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, but denied service connection for hypertension, erectile dysfunction, right toe disability, back disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.,The Veteran's current disabilities were not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of the Veteran's reported stressor events, which are necessary for service connection.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to its connection with the previously adjudicated increased rating claim for PTSD. The AOJ should develop and adjudicate this claim.

The Veteran's PTSD with other specified trauma is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating of in excess of 50 percent is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and unspecified schizophrenia and other psychotic disorder, are related to a conceded in-service personal assault. The claim for erectile dysfunction is also remanded as it may be proximately due or aggravated by an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the AOJ not having reviewed new evidence received after the August 2020 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are most closely aligned with the current 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran requested to withdraw all remaining issues on appeal, including PTSD, CFS, sleep apnea, and intertrigo tinea.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 30, 2013 for service connection of PTSD with MDD, anxiety, and insomnia is granted.,A compensable disability rating of 10 percent is granted for deep and non-linear gunshot wound scars of the anterior chest and trunk from September 18, 2013 to September 20, 2018.,A disability rating in excess of 20 percent is denied for deep and non-linear gunshot wound scars of the anterior chest and trunk from September 20, 2018 onwards.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for linear scars of the right knee and anterior trunk is denied.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of January 11, 2010 for service connection for PTSD. However, the claim for a higher initial disability rating for PTSD is remanded due to missing medical records.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as he did not meet the economic component of the criteria. The initial rating for lumbosacral strain in excess of 10 percent prior to November 16, 2022, and in excess of 40 percent from that date is remanded due to outstanding treatment records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to a lack of credible supporting evidence corroborating his reported in-service stressor. The claims for service connection for Major Depressive Disorder and insomnia, secondary to Major Depressive Disorder, are remanded as further development is needed.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from August 13, 2009, to October 30, 2019.,The Veteran was granted a TDIU during the same period.