PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, lumbar spondylosis, and PTSD with alcohol use disorder are denied. The claim for an increased initial rating for lumbar spondylosis is granted at a 20 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for PTSD and service connection for amphetamine abuse, as well as his claim for a TDIU prior to December 31, 2018. The Veteran is required to provide updated VA treatment records and undergo an updated VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was denied, and the TDIU prior to November 16, 2016 was also denied. The evidence did not show total social or occupational impairment due to PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development regarding whether the Veteran participated in combat and provided an addendum opinion on his psychiatric diagnoses. The case will be returned for further action.

The Veteran's PTSD and phobia have been rated at a 50 percent disability rating, effective from the date of claim. The Board found that his symptoms warranted this level of impairment.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including anxiety and PTSD, as there is no competent medical evidence establishing a current diagnosis of such conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD with chronic major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent prior to May 12, 2021. The appeal for a higher rating has been denied. A TDIU and Dependents Educational Assistance have been granted as of November 9, 2018.

The appeal for service connection of anxiety disorder, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are as likely as not of such nature and severity as to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since November 30, 2018.

Your claim for service connection for PTSD has been fully granted, and you are now receiving a 50 percent rating. The appeal is dismissed as there are no remaining issues to be decided.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, DJD of the shoulders and knees, DDD of the lumbar spine, and bilateral radiculopathy, have rendered her incapable of providing basic care for herself. The Board has determined that she requires regular aid and attendance due to her physical and mental incapacities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and review of his claims, including the initial rating for PTSD with tobacco use disorder, unspecified cannabis related disorder, and unspecified opioid related disorder; TDIU prior to March 31, 2020; and DEA benefits prior to that date.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased evaluation and TDIU have been dismissed because the issues were already pending under a Higher Level Review option, which is not allowed concurrently.

The appeal for service connection for a low back disorder is dismissed.,The appeal for service connection for PTSD is dismissed.,A compensable rating for PTSD from August 21, 2018 to May 2, 2019 is denied.,Service connection for forgetfulness is denied.,Service connection for narcolepsy is denied.,Service connection for a right elbow disorder is denied.,Service connection for a left elbow disorder is denied.,Service connection for a right wrist disorder is denied.,Service connection for a left wrist disorder is denied.,Service connection for a right hip disorder is denied.,Service connection for a left hip disorder is denied.,Service connection for a headache disorder is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities prior to September 23, 2019 is denied as the evidence does not demonstrate he was unemployed or marginally employed due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient notice and clarification of reasons for denial, as well as legal adequacy issues. The Veteran's eligibility for PCAFC benefits will be reconsidered under appropriate criteria.

The appeal for an earlier effective date for PTSD is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from November 22, 2017 to November 3, 2019 and TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 70 percent for his acquired psychiatric disorder and a rating in excess of 30 percent for his bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show total occupational or social impairment, which is required for a higher rating.

The Veteran's hepatitis is denied as it was not caused by VA treatment.,The Veteran's low back disability, hypertension, heart disability and residual of stroke disability are all denied due to lack of service connection.