PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's PTSD and OSA have been granted service connection. The TBI appeal has been withdrawn.

The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities. The matter is referred to the Director of Compensation Service for consideration of assignment of an extraschedular rating for TDIU.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings and service connection, so the Board dismissed the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The VA will obtain additional medical opinions and records to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and for TDIU prior to June 10, 2019 due to incomplete records and the need for further examination.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and anxiety, as the evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD or establish that any current psychiatric disability is related to service.,The Board also denied service connection for a back disorder, finding no persuasive evidence linking any current back condition to service.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of various conditions including left hip condition, right hip condition, degenerative arthritis of the spine, sleep apnea, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (posttraumatic stress disorder).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD is granted. The claim for right knee tricompartmental osteoarthritis is denied. The claim for tinnitus (secondary to service-connected disability) is remanded.

The April 1999 rating decision increased the ratings for left ankle strain, postoperative TMJ derangement, and PTSD. The Veteran's combined disability rating was now at 70%. However, his claim of TDIU based on CUE was denied as there was no evidence showing he could not secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 100% rating from October 6, 2015. He also received special monthly compensation at the housebound rate and basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) during this period.

The Veteran's appeal is partially denied, with the issue of a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to January 2, 2015 being denied. The issue of service connection for dental conditions secondary to PTSD is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was granted, while the claims for obstructive sleep apnea, pes planus, left foot hammer toes, right foot hammer toes, and a skin condition were remanded.

The Veteran's son J.W-H. is recognized as a helpless child of the Veteran due to permanent incapacity for self-support prior to attaining the age of 18 years, but further evidence is needed regarding other service connection claims and TDIU.

The Veteran's combined service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education, skills, training, and work history.

The Board has remanded the claims for PTSD and sleep apnea due to new evidence, including service treatment records and VA medical center reports. The Veteran's request for a hearing was withdrawn, and the issues must be remanded to the RO for initial consideration of the newly received evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression or PTSD, is related to his active service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for a nerve condition, headache disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. However, these claims are still pending as additional development is required to determine their etiology.

The Board has determined that the withholding of VA disability compensation benefits for training days in FY 2010, FY 2009, and FY 2008 was proper due to concurrent receipt of military pay. The appeals are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, DDD of the lumbar spine, IVDS, and various knee conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since July 9, 2018.

The Board has remanded the case for two issues: 1) whether there was clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in a June 2012 rating decision that denied service connection for pathological gambling, alcohol dependence, and anxiety disorder; and 2) entitlement to an effective date earlier than October 31, 2017 for the grant of service connection for PTSD with gambling disorder.