PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied as his service-connected conditions did not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in a 70% rating, effective September 24, 2014. The Board also granted a TDIU for the entire initial rating period on appeal.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling new examinations to assess the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is dismissed because he withdrew his appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for further verification of the Veteran's Army National Guard service and any relevant medical records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examinations and failure to address certain evidence. The issues include PTSD, a left knee disability, and a lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to in-service exposure to herbicide agents, as well as the claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound. The AOJ is instructed to attempt verification of the Veteran's claimed service in Vietnam from December 1968 to May 1969 and his exposure to herbicide agents at MCAS El Toro, California.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination. The left knee condition claim is reopened, but further evidence is needed for the other issues.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted with a 50 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision. The issues of GERD and left ear hearing loss are dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran. Right lower extremity radiculopathy is granted. TDIU remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to VA's failure in its duty to assist by failing to attempt to obtain private treatment records related to the Veteran's PTSD. The Veteran needs to complete a VA Form 21-4142 for Dr. A. and Lakeshore Therapy, and two requests for the authorized records from these facilities are required.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection and ratings for PTSD have been dismissed as they follow final decisions without alleging CUE.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional relevant medical records and examination reports being added to the record after the issuance of the April 2017 SOC.

The Veteran's claim for SMC by reason of the need for regular aid and attendance was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for this benefit.

Prior to September 18, 2020, the Veteran was granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD.,After September 18, 2020, the Veteran's PTSD symptoms have not met the criteria for an increased rating beyond 50 percent.,TDIU has been granted from November 3, 2009.

The Veteran's appeals for effective dates and disability ratings have been withdrawn.,A new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as posttraumatic stress disorder).

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied across multiple conditions, including migraine headaches, TBI, PTSD, lumbar spine disability, gout, right and left knee disabilities, and left shoulder disability. The maximum schedular rating of 50 percent was granted for migraine headaches, but no higher rating is warranted.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and the Board has remanded for further development. The Veteran was not found to meet criteria for a higher rating or TDIU.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD and Persistent Depressive Disorder due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service. The Veteran is requested to provide medical records from his treatment providers, including those from Kerrville VA Medical Center.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder was rated at 50 percent prior to April 10, 2019, and at 70 percent from April 10, 2019, to March 18, 2021. The ratings for the other service-connected conditions were not granted.