PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lung cancer, ischemic heart disease, bladder cancer and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, insomnia, anxiety) are remanded due to the need for further development regarding exposure to herbicides in Vietnam or Alaska.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a combined disability rating higher than 60 percent, citing satisfaction with the current 90 percent rating. The Board dismissed the case as a result.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at a 50% disability rating, effective from July 24, 2017. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board dismissed all the appeals, including those for service connection and evaluations for various conditions. The Veteran withdrew his appeal in writing on December 7, 2021.

The claims for service connection for asthma, COPD, PTSD, and TDIU are being remanded due to the submission of new evidence since the last decisions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with major depressive disorder and panic disorder is granted, effective from May 15, 2009. The Board also found that the Veteran's headache disability should be remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and evaluation of the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder, acquired psychiatric disorders (PTSD and MDD), left shoulder disability, right hip disability, cubital tunnel syndrome, and right hamstring disabilities. The issues include determining whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen claims for service connection, evaluating the severity of the disabilities, and considering entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection of irritable bowel syndrome and an increased rating for PTSD have been dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn her appeals.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors and combat involvement. The Veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD and depression, which are secondary to his service-connected back, bilateral knee, and right finger disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral retinitis pigmentosa and an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and adjustment disorder. The decision is based on insufficient information regarding the nature of these conditions during active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including CAD, PTSD, and diabetes, rendered him unable to follow substantially gainful employment as of March 12, 2020. The Board granted a TDIU effective from that date.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD, which is already service-connected due to MST, needs further development. The decision also indicates there may be an additional mental health condition (likely depression) not yet considered in her current rating.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is granted a 70 percent evaluation, effective from the date of claim. A TDIU is also granted, effective March 2, 2018.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and left knee condition have been reopened. Service connection has been granted for PTSD. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and left knee conditions are remanded due to incomplete records.

The Board has determined that the VA examination conducted in September 2022 is inadequate and remanded for further action. The Veteran's claim of an acquired psychiatric disability, including adjustment disorder with anxiety, is being remanded to obtain a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss, and thus service connection for this condition is denied. The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, headaches, and sleep apnea are remanded as further medical examination and opinion are needed.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and needs further examination. The effective date of service connection remains October 4, 2017.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, is granted at a 70 percent rating from July 31, 2014. The claim for service connection for urinary incontinence and IBS are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling conflicts and insufficient notice for a VA examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and adjustment disorder with anxious mood, is now pending.

The appeal of the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, low back disability, headaches, left hand and index finger disability, bilateral foot disability, and PTSD is dismissed. The issues of service connection for a low back disability, headaches, left hand and index finger disability, and bilateral foot disability are remanded.