PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and spinal condition are granted as service connected. Effective from August 7, 2017, the Veteran is rated at 70% for his left arm condition.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to April 4, 2016. Effective April 4, 2016, the rating for PTSD was increased to 70 percent.

The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder in early remission, cocaine use disorder in sustained remission, and cannabis use disorder in sustained remission was granted at a 70 percent disability rating prior to April 8, 2019. The appeal is now REMANDED for further action on the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's left palmar sensory loss and PTSD have been granted ratings, with the PTSD receiving a higher rating of 40 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent evaluation from May 29, 2015, and the Board finds this rating to be appropriate based on his severe symptomatology.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD and persistent depressive disorder. The decision also grants secondary service connection for erectile dysfunction on a causation basis.,While the Veteran's PTSD is related to his in-service assault, his persistent depressive disorder was not found to be directly related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including depression and dysthymic disorder. The VA is instructed to obtain a new medical opinion addressing all diagnosed psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was rated at 70 percent from April 29, 2015 to September 22, 2022. The Board found the symptoms met criteria for a 70 percent rating but not higher. Prior to August 7, 2015, the Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular requirements.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and a sleep impairment disorder. The evidence does not establish that these conditions arose during or as a result of his active military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records from Gardena Vet Center. The Veteran needs to provide or authorize release of relevant treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his PTSD, MDD, and alcohol dependence.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and service connection for sleep apnea are being remanded due to the submission of new evidence. The VA will review this evidence and issue a supplemental statement of the case if necessary.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. Effective dates for PTSD, right shoulder (major) degenerative arthritis and rotator cuff tendonitis, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy are denied as the claim was not filed within one year of separation from service. The Veteran's TDIU prior to September 1, 2020 is dismissed due to mootness.

The Veteran's somatic symptom disorder is granted as secondary to his left wrist disability. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and the claim for a headache disability are denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, effective from March 7, 2016. The appeal for an increased disability rating for PTSD is granted. However, the issue of entitlement to TDIU remains pending and will be remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for various disabilities and initial rating determinations. The main reasons are due to insufficient evidence or need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the VA examiner's findings and the need for additional evidence regarding the Veteran's reported in-service military sexual trauma (MST). The issues of service connection for PTSD, Chronic Adjustment Disorder, Alcohol Use Disorder, and Major Depression are pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy with CTS of the upper extremities and lower extremities, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to November 17, 2022.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and tinnitus were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,The Veteran's death was not service-connected due to the cause being unrelated to his service-connected conditions.