PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's PTSD and bipolar disorder were rated at a 70 percent disability level from June 14, 2015, to July 28, 2021.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his injuries were not incurred in the line of duty due to willful misconduct, and he was found to have consumed alcohol prior to the accident.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and a right knee condition, prevent him from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment.

The Board has determined that a new examination is needed to evaluate the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders under DSM-5 criteria and to obtain an opinion which considers all of the Veteran's stressful military experiences, including combat activity.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, including work, family relations, judgment, thinking, and mood. The Board granted a rating of 70 percent for PTSD and also granted TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease has been granted, as new and material evidence was received.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder has also been granted, with the condition being related to service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his PTSD with TBI is remanded due to the need for a new examination to assess current severity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of October 1, 2009. The Board found that the evidence supported that the disability initially manifested during active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including MDD, anxiety, and PTSD, due to a lack of current diagnosis.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating since December 31, 2012.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including MDD and PTSD. The appeal is granted to this extent only.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the current severity of the Veteran's PTSD and alcohol use disorder. The Veteran is required to undergo a VA examination to assess his conditions.

The Veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, and service connection for headaches are remanded. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other claims.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 40 percent prior to September 9, 2021, for service-connected traumatic brain injury (now rated as posttraumatic stress disorder with major depressive disorder, to include traumatic brain injury) is remanded. The appeal for a total disability based on individual unemployability prior to October 21, 2020, is also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for her PTSD with major depressive disorder and TDIU are remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and the potential relevance of records from the Vet Center.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher initial disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD, and the Board dismissed the case as a result.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for MDD and PTSD, as well as TDIU, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and updated medical records.

The Veteran's minor child is not eligible for earlier effective dates for DIC benefits due to the one-year rule and the fact that no DIC application was received within a year of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate are granted. The Board also remanded for further examination to determine if the Veteran's diabetes is secondary to his PTSD.,Service connection for type II diabetes mellitus remains pending, with a new VA examination required.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not precluded him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation for any period on appeal.