PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD, which also satisfies the requirement for SMC due to his combined disability rating of 90 percent. The issue of service connection for sleep apnea was previously granted.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal for a disability evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD prior to July 29, 2022.

The Veteran's PTSD diagnosis is causally related to in-service stressors, and service connection for PTSD has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The case was remanded for further action on the sleep apnea claim.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher than 50 percent rating, as they do not cause occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and obstructive sleep apnea have been remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation.,PTSD has resulted in a current rating of 50 percent, but no higher.

The Veteran's PTSD and panic disorder are currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board has decided to remand the case for further evaluation due to a lack of recent VA treatment records and the need for another examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, a back disorder, a left shoulder disorder, a breathing disorder, and bilateral knee disorders. The evidence did not support finding that these conditions began during or were otherwise related to active service.

The Board has vacated the August 17, 2022 decision as it was not based on a review of the entire record. The Veteran's appeal is denied because his PTSD, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy are considered the same disabilities for which he received concurrent VA and OWCP compensation.

The Veteran's appeal for residuals of a left finger injury is dismissed due to the appellant's withdrawal.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no current disability and the evidence does not support its onset during service or within one year after separation.,The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as PTSD) is remanded. The Board requires VA to attempt to corroborate in-service stressors and provide a medical examination to determine if the condition is related to service.,The Veteran's claim for residuals of traumatic brain injury (claimed as a head injury) is remanded. A medical examination is required to determine if his current symptoms are related to an in-service head injury.,The Veteran's claim for a bilateral eye disability is remanded. The VA must provide a medical examination to determine if the condition is related to service and/or aggravated by any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since August 11, 2011. Effective January 1, 2019, the Veteran was granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to November 25, 2014. The appeal for higher ratings remains pending and requires additional development of the record.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected. The cases for bilateral hearing loss, acquired psychiatric condition (including PTSD), and lumbar strain are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury require additional consideration due to newly added service treatment records. The case is being remanded for further review.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, was dismissed. The claims for higher ratings related to his right knee disability, lumbar spine disability, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, and left knee strain were remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions were denied effective dates prior to April 23, 2016.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development due to the Veteran's failure to report for scheduled VA examinations. The issues of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD with polysubstance abuse and service connection for right lower extremity shrapnel wounds are being returned to the AOJ for additional examination and consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and therefore service connection is denied. The case is remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and schedule a VA examination to determine if any other psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, is related to active duty.