PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's TBI and PTSD symptoms have worsened since his last VA examination in 2017, and a new VA examination is needed to determine the current severity of his service-connected TBI.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and memory loss conditions, finding no evidence of such disorders in service or within one year post-service. The Veteran's current symptoms are attributed to non-service-connected factors.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not establish an in-service stressor related to posttraumatic stress disorder, and denied entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to January 26, 2021 and thereafter for right knee instability, and entitlement to a compensable rating for right knee limitation of extension. The Veteran's claim for increased rating for right knee patellofemoral syndrome with osteoarthritis and patellar spur was remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to a verified in-service stressor and resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent prior to March 19, 2015; as 30 percent from March 19, 2015, to January 22, 2020; and as 10 percent thereafter. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.,The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent after June 29, 2017. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the combined impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, but the Board found that this rating does not reflect the severity of his symptoms and denied an increased rating.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connection due to continuity of symptomatology.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied because the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hearing loss for VA compensation purposes.,Service connection for an acquired mental health disorder (including PTSD and insomnia disorder) is remanded as there are conflicting opinions regarding its etiology.,Service connection for a left knee disability is remanded due to insufficient evidence on the issue.,Service connection for a low back disability is remanded due to insufficient evidence on the issue.,Service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is remanded as there are conflicting opinions regarding its etiology.,Service connection for bilateral blepharitis is remanded as there are conflicting opinions regarding its etiology.,Service connection for a headache disorder is remanded due to insufficient evidence on the issue.

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

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 100 percent since March 21, 2014, due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a disability rating of 100 percent.,The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for lumbar spine degenerative joint disease (arthritis) was also denied, with the current evaluation of 20% continuing due to recent improvement in condition.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU based on service-connected PTSD and lumbar spine disability was granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and TBI disabilities were evaluated as a single disability, resulting in an increased 70 percent rating from August 16, 2016 to March 2, 2018.

The Board has decided to remand the case for several reasons, including obtaining missing service personnel records and employment history from Social Security Administration. Additionally, a new medical opinion is needed regarding the impact of the Veteran's service-connected mental disabilities on his ability to work.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records, specifically SSA disability benefits application records. The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disabilities are being reviewed.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including rating determinations and service connection for various conditions. The case is returned to the AOJ for initial review of new evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, mood disorders, and dissociative identity disorder. The evidence did not support the claimed in-service stressors or events that would establish service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on his symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current psychiatric conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for bilateral congenital pes planus with bilateral metatarsalgia is dismissed. The Board also remanded several issues related to his service-connected hip, knee, and ankle conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder, is related to sexual assault in service. Service connection for this condition is granted.