PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an increased rating for major depressive disorder were denied. The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for internal derangement of the right knee prior to April 15, 2011 and in excess of 20 percent thereafter was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 70 percent rating, effective from September 26, 2016. The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the spine prior to November 21, 2019, and after that date are both denied.

An effective date of November 28, 2015 is granted for the grant of service connection for PTSD. A rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to June 15, 2018 is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's PTSD, finding that it was caused by in-service stressors and granting the appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD disability rating is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and updated medical records.

The Veteran's headaches, bilateral plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, and PTSD are all granted with specific ratings. The headaches were initially rated at 30%, the bilateral plantar fasciitis at 10% prior to March 3, 2017, and since June 24, 2019, a separate rating of 10% for metatarsalgia is granted. PTSD is granted with a 70% rating prior to March 1, 2017.

The Veteran's bilateral eye traumatic angle recession with pigmentary dispersion, peripheral vestibular disorder, PTSD with TBI, lumbosacral strain, right shoulder degenerative joint disease, right knee strain, and right hip degenerative joint disease are all granted. The rating for the peripheral vestibular disorder is increased to 30 percent prior to June 15, 2022. The Veteran's PTSD with TBI remains at a 70 percent rating. The lumbosacral strain is rated at 20 percent. The right shoulder degenerative joint disease and right knee strain are both denied higher ratings. The right hip degenerative joint disease based on limitation of flexion is also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, tinnitus, a low back disability, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to a failure to obtain VA medical records from the Vet Service Center in Mesquite, Texas.

The Veteran's clothing allowance for the 2018 benefit year is granted due to her use of a manual wheelchair for mobility, which caused wear and tear on her clothing.

The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and TDIU prior to January 22, 2021 has been withdrawn by the Veteran's representative. As a result, these claims are dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and a higher rating in excess of 50 percent is denied.

The Board has determined that there was not substantial compliance with its July 2022 remand directives and thus the claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and compliance with proper notice requirements.

The Veteran's TDIU prior to October 16, 2019 is being remanded due to the need for additional records from Social Security Administration (SSA).

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 30 percent prior to March 9, 2020 and 50 percent thereafter. The appeal for higher ratings remains pending due to the need for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent prior to January 3, 2020. The Board denied an increased rating for PTSD and remanded the issue of TDIU prior to February 7, 2022.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, has been remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the claimed stressors. The Board is seeking additional information from the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and individual employment due to conflicting decisions from the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC). The issues are related, so a TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD are currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board denied a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.