PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for PTSD and mood disorder have been dismissed. The claims of service connection for residual of TBI, cervical spine disorder, and respiratory disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's case is being remanded due to the receipt of additional VA treatment records and private counseling records that have not been obtained. The AOJ will need to secure these records for review.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for cause of death, left foot disability, and an initial higher rating for PTSD due to the appellant's withdrawal of her appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 50 percent for PTSD, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating due to insufficient evidence of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for clarification on whether dementia is a symptom or separate diagnosis related to PTSD and its impact on the need for regular aid and attendance. The Veteran's SMC rate may be affected by this determination.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU prior to January 30, 2009 are being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an error in not addressing a relevant in-service stressor, specifically whether the Veteran's Chief Bosun Mate lost rank due to calling him a racial slur. The case is now being returned for further development and examination.

The Board has found that additional development is required for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and SSA disability benefits records. The Veteran was also requested to provide information about any correctional facility where he was incarcerated.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD with MDD, is granted a disability rating of 70 percent but no higher prior to February 21, 2014. From that date forward, the Veteran's claim for an increased rating remains pending.

The Veteran's initial rating for TBI with PTSD was denied, and service connection for TBI was granted at a 70 percent disability rating effective January 10, 2017. The case is now before the Board to determine if an increased rating beyond 70 percent is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating of 70 percent for PTSD is granted, effective from April 16, 2014. A separate 50 percent rating was also granted for PTSD as of January 28, 2022.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination in a previous decision, and it is unclear if service connection can be granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder including mood disorder and PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted an initial 70 percent rating, effective July 30, 2015. The Veteran's degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine with T-12 compression fracture are also granted a 40 percent rating, effective July 30, 2015.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since June 4, 2014. His TDIU application is granted effective from that date.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100% rating from June 26, 2015 to March 16, 2018. The effective date for this award is June 26, 2015.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to provide proper notice regarding the need for corroborating evidence of an in-service personal assault, which is relevant to service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a migraine headache disorder was granted in July 2022, rendering the appeal moot.,The Veteran's residuals of a broken jaw disability with TMJ were granted an increased rating to 10 percent prior to May 23, 2022. Since then, his condition has worsened and he is seeking a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a lack of valid PTSD diagnosis. The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is also being remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is related to his military service and granted.,The Veteran's hypertension was not found to meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has granted service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and MDD. The decision finds that the Veteran's current PTSD is related to an in-service personal assault where he was bit on his face by another service member. His MDD is also found to be related to this in-service stressor.