PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and examination, as there are inconsistencies in the medical opinions provided and relevant records have not been obtained.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's diagnosis is related to combat with the enemy during his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD and hypertension are currently rated at 70% and no higher, respectively. The claim for a higher rating for PTSD is denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claim for an initial compensable disability rating for hypertension is also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, and the claim for a higher rating has been denied. The Board also found that TDIU was granted from April 26, 2012 to November 13, 2017.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and hepatitis C disabilities prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment from August 1, 2013 to December 8, 2021.

The Veteran's initial ratings for left and right knee chondromalacia have been granted at 10 percent. Separate 10 percent ratings have also been granted for left and right knee instability. Service connection has been remanded for several conditions, including shoulder disorders, ankle disorder, foot onychomycosis, TBI residuals, and PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for TBI, Seizure Disorder, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD (Major Depressive Disorder) due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD with neurocognitive disorder is granted a 70 percent evaluation prior to November 12, 2019. An increased evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD as of November 12, 2019, is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% disability rating. The symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal, satisfied with the most recent rating decision and all remaining issues on appeal.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU for the period from February 16, 2011, to March 16, 2015. The claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar spine disability is denied.

The Board has dismissed all claims as the appellant died during the appeal process.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim of service connection for sleep apnea was denied. The rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to August 27, 2020, is also denied. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and TDIU are also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and diabetes mellitus type II have prevented him from maintaining substantially gainful employment since November 30, 2006. The Board has granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis for this period.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 100% rating from March 25, 2009 to July 31, 2019. Basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 was established from March 25, 2009 to May 29, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining verification of in-service stressors and seeking a VA psychiatric opinion to determine if PTSD and/or Generalized Anxiety Disorder are related to service.

The Board has dismissed all issues of service connection due to the Veteran's death during the appeal process.

The Board has remanded the claims for earlier effective dates due to incomplete records, specifically a December 2010 document and VA treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, finding no current diagnosis of PTSD and insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders and his military service.

The Board has determined that updated examinations are needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's PTSD and right lower extremity radiculopathy, as the evidence suggests these conditions may be more severe than previously evaluated. The claims for increased ratings will be remanded.