PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The appeal for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and/or major depressive disorder is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating of PTSD prior to May 30, 2018 was denied by the Board. The Veteran previously received a 70 percent rating for PTSD from that date forward.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and other psychiatric disabilities, as well as his claim for TDIU due to a lack of corroborated stressor event in service. The VA must obtain relevant SSA records and schedule a VA examination to determine if any diagnosed mental health disorders are related to military service.

The Veteran's tension headaches are rated at 50 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The claim for bilateral wrist disability is denied as new and material evidence was not received. The claim for PTSD is reopened and granted.

Service connection for PTSD is granted, and secondary service connection for alcohol abuse disorder as secondary to PTSD is also granted.,The effective date of February 25, 2011 for left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted. The claims for bilateral knee disorders are reopened.,Increased ratings for right shoulder disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy are remanded. Increased rating for low back disability is also remanded.,Service connection for a bilateral foot disability, left shoulder disability, and neck disability is remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including a VA medical opinion on the Veteran's characterization of service and a VA examination to evaluate his lumbar spine disability. The remaining claims are also being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted, with an effective date of March 7, 2013.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and inextricably intertwined with other claims. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD and Asthma have been rated, but the rating for PTSD has been denied as not meeting criteria for a higher than 50% or 70% disability rating. The rating for Asthma has also been denied as not meeting criteria for a higher than 30% or 60% disability rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to failure to address the Veteran's reported symptoms and obtain private treatment records from Kaiser Permanente.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient development and examination. The Veteran's symptoms of pain are being evaluated, along with his service records.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for TBI, service connection for PTSD, and service connection for loss of teeth associated with his mandible fracture are being remanded due to the failure to notify him of scheduled examinations. The Board will attempt to reschedule these exams and provide further notice.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD because the June 2011 rating decision is final and there was no timely appeal or new and material evidence submitted within a year.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted. The claim for a left knee disability is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further development, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's right ankle strain, tinnitus, and sleep apnea are all being remanded for further development.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD) is also being remanded.

The Board has dismissed the claim for service connection of a low back condition as it was granted in November 2022. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected because a credible in-service stressor was established, linking the current condition to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and bilateral lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy disabilities are being remanded for additional examinations to assess their current severity.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient development regarding the severity of the Veteran's PTSD. The claim for an increased rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is being returned for further evaluation.