PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in total social and occupational impairment, leading to a 100% disability rating. The TDIU claim is dismissed as moot due to the grant of a 100% schedular rating for PTSD. Effective January 23, 2021, SMC at the housebound rate was granted.

The Veteran's claim for a dental or oral musculoskeletal disability, for compensation purposes only, has been denied as there is no evidence of a compensable loss of substance of the maxilla or mandible resulting from trauma or disease.,The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD remains pending and requires further development to verify stressors and determine if any diagnosed conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder has been granted a 70% disability rating for the initial rating period prior to January 15, 2016. The appeal regarding bilateral hearing loss and chronic fatigue syndrome is remanded.

PTSD rating increased to 70% prior to July 25, 2017. From July 25, 2017 onwards, PTSD rating remains at 70%. Migraine headache rating denied prior to September 25, 2020.,TDIU appeal dismissed as moot from March 7, 2020.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected as it originated during active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, and depression was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to April 19, 2019, as he was found to be employed full-time and not unemployable.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder and alcohol/cannabis abuse is rated at the highest possible level (100%). The denial of a higher rating for fibromyalgia and the grant of SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance are noted.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed for the claims of PTSD, broken right hand, left knee injury, TBI, and scar on the back of the head. The Veteran will need to provide updated VA treatment records and undergo examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected PTSD, assess whether any diagnosed right-hand disabilities are related to his service-connected PTSD, evaluate the etiology of any left knee conditions, clarify whether the Veteran has a TBI, and determine if there is a scar on the back of his head. The claims will be remanded for these actions.

The Board has remanded the cases of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction, migraine headaches, and sleep apnea due to their association with the Veteran's service-connected PTSD. The case of TDIU remains on appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right eye loss of vision and PTSD due to potential service connection.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than depression, finding that the evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD incurred in or related to active duty.

The Board has remanded several issues including service connection for various disorders, as well as a claim under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to alleged sexual misconduct during surgery. The claims for left hand, hip, foot, eye, ear, and neck disorders are also being remanded.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD, anxiety, depressive disorder, and a sleep disorder is granted. The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, compensable rating for chronic right inguinal ligament and chronic right hamstring strain, and compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty regarding whether the Veteran's recent symptoms are related to his service-connected PTSD or another condition. The VA needs to obtain additional medical records and provide a medical opinion on this issue.

The Veteran's tremors disability is granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is granted based on presumptive exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability and an acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD, but these claims are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for dizziness secondary to PTSD is denied. His claim for allergic rhinitis due to exposure in Southwest Asia is granted. The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD from December 18, 2014, and TDIU are both granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, the highest available under the General Formula for Mental Disorders.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for PTSD, IVDS of the cervical spine, and Right Shoulder Strain due to insufficient evidence or procedural issues.