PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to a military sexual trauma (MST) he experienced during service, and thus grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, major depression, and anxiety was granted. However, his claim for hearing loss was denied.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, is granted as service connected due to a credible in-service stressor and the presence of current symptoms.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to a compensable disability rating prior to August 13, 2021, for bilateral hearing loss and entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 50 percent from August 13, 2021, for bilateral hearing loss. The issue of entitlement to TDIU prior to August 13, 2021, is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for PTSD, right wrist disability, left foot disability, and hypertension due to new evidence received since the June 2019 statement of the case.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD is granted, and an initial rating of 30 percent for PFB prior to December 12, 2016 is granted. However, a higher rating for PFB since December 12, 2016 is denied.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent, and he was granted a TDIU effective from December 27, 2018 to January 7, 2021. The Board referred the claim for a TDIU prior to December 27, 2018, to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as they are currently rated at 70 percent.,Left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted a 20 percent rating. Right lower extremity radiculopathy and right knee strain remain at their current ratings of 10 percent.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and feet problems due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to in-service injuries or diseases.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied in a March 2010 rating decision. The claim for an acquired mental health disorder was reopened due to new evidence provided by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with secondary major depressive disorder was granted a TDIU effective April 11, 2017. The appeal for the TDIU prior to that date is dismissed as moot.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, and PTSD due to failure of the Veteran to report for VA examinations scheduled in November 2018. The Veteran was provided an opportunity to reschedule the examinations but did not do so without good cause.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has precluded him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, consistent with his level of education and prior employment history.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for migraine headaches, acquired psychiatric disorder (including sleep disturbances and PTSD), back condition, and left knee strain due to service-connected right knee strain. The claims are being returned for further development including new examinations and medical opinions.

The Veteran's mental health disability, including other specified trauma and stressor-related disorder and other specified depressive disorder with posttraumatic stress disorder, is currently rated at 50 percent. The Board has decided to remand the case for a supplemental statement of the case due to new evidence added since the June 2022 rating decision.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was rated at 50% from January 21, 2020. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The decision is based on the Veteran's reported in-service stressors related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity, which have been confirmed by medical evidence. The Board found that there was a current diagnosis of PTSD and that it was causally related to the in-service stressor events.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hypertension, sleep apnea, an acquired psychiatric disorder (likely PTSD), a right foot disability, coronary artery disease, and diabetes mellitus type II due to incomplete development. The RO must complete the directives set forth in the July 2022 Board remand.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss disability, MDD, PTSD, GERD, migraine headaches, sarcoidosis, and skin lesions/lesions on back are remanded.,An effective date prior to March 10, 2016 for the grants of service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss disability is denied.

The Board has remanded the cases due to new evidence and requests for additional examinations.