PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of PTSD was denied because he failed to report to the scheduled VA examinations without showing good cause.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder have not been rated higher than 50 percent, and his claim for TDIU has also been denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 70 percent disability rating from September 12, 2017 onwards. He also received TDIU and SMC benefits starting August 11, 2017.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions from previous VA examinations regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depressive disorder. A new examination is required for a proper determination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient compliance with previous instructions and an addendum opinion is needed regarding the Veteran's cause of death.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for PTSD with alcohol use disorder was dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal prior to the decision being made.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from September 3, 2009 to July 13, 2016. A TDIU was granted for the same period.

The Veteran's tension headaches and acquired psychiatric disorder have been granted a 50% rating from September 29, 2015. The appeal for increased ratings is denied, and the issue of TDIU is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100 percent rating, effective December 7, 2023. The left foot scar and related issues have also been addressed with appropriate ratings.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of the lumbosacral spine and tinnitus have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, pes planus, and bunions of the feet were denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding increased ratings for PTSD and TBI, which were previously granted in an August 2018 rating decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitated his need for regular aid and assistance of another individual, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted with an initial rating of 50 percent, effective December 20, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to May 20, 2021 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas during this period.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient examination regarding the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its relationship to his service-connected PTSD, as well as whether obesity played a role in causing or aggravating OSA.

The Veteran's PTSD remains rated at 70 percent, and the Board has ordered remand for further development to obtain relevant medical records. The issue of TDIU is also being remanded due to its inextricability with the rating issue.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, ADHD, and bipolar disorder due to insufficient evidence regarding the claimed stressor and inadequate medical opinions. The case is now before the VA examiner or another qualified professional to provide a new opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, is related to his service-connected wrist condition. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Depressive Disorder, finding that new evidence did not establish a nexus between his current psychiatric conditions and military service.