PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Board's September 2021 decision denying service connection for PTSD is vacated, and the case is remanded due to failure to consider all relevant regulations.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and MDD with anxious distress, is attributable to an in-service motor vehicle accident. Service connection for this condition has been granted.

The Veteran's left upper extremity radiculopathy is granted as secondary to his service-connected cervical spine disability. The claims for prostate, gout, glaucoma, acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD), left shoulder, right shoulder, and obstructive sleep apnea are remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including her anxiety disorders and lung disease. The main reasons for the remand are to obtain additional medical records and examinations to determine the current severity of her conditions and their relationship to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings on his PTSD and left shoulder disability was dismissed. Prior to August 30, 2021, the Veteran's left shoulder disability was denied as not meeting criteria for a higher rating. From August 30, 2021, the claim remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disorder, tinnitus, gastrointestinal disorders (including gastroesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome), chronic fatigue syndrome, and posttraumatic stress disorder have been reopened. The Board has found new and material evidence to support these claims.,However, the issues of service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disorder, tinnitus, and gastrointestinal disorders (including gastroesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome) are remanded as they involve further development and consideration.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service connected. The Veteran's recurrent left hip disability is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions and their relationship to service-connected disabilities. The case will be reviewed with a focus on whether the major depressive disorder is caused or aggravated by his service-connected generalized anxiety disorder and alcohol use disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, panic disorder, and major depressive disorder, based on a confirmed in-service stressor.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development and examination to clarify his mental health diagnoses, determine the etiology of his vertigo symptoms, and address whether he meets criteria for a TDIU. The issues are inextricably intertwined.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as his diagnosis of PTSD is related to in-service stressors, and the evidence supports this relationship.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and an earlier effective date for PTSD, as well as TDIU prior to December 20, 2017, have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran's claim will be returned for further development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claims for service connection for PTSD, unspecified depressive disorder, and cannabis dependence. The issues of service connection are now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent prior to January 20, 2021 and 50 percent thereafter. The Veteran's hysterectomy is not rated higher than 30 percent. A 10 percent rating has been granted for her ovarian cyst.,Entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected PTSD prior to January 20, 2021 and in excess of 50 percent thereafter is denied. Entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for residuals of hysterectomy is also denied. A 10 percent rating has been granted for ovarian cyst.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression, dementia, and sleep disturbances from Parkinson's disease has been granted a 70 percent rating since July 19, 2018.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, thus his claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating for PTSD and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The issues will be returned to the Board after a statement of the case is issued.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and found that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to his military sexual trauma in service. Service connection was denied for depressive disorder not otherwise specified, substance abuse disorder, and substance induced depression.