PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's appeals for PTSD and diabetes ratings are being remanded due to incomplete VA treatment records. The AOJ needs to obtain additional medical records, including those from 2017 to 2019 and 2021 onwards, and request the release of any private medical records.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the need based on his service-connected disabilities. Further medical opinion is required, including from a private rehabilitation facility records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, SSA disability determinations, and a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his PTSD is not resolved and requires further review with additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was not filed on the proper form and he did not submit a formal application within one year of his intent to file. The effective date is denied as it must be set at January 3, 2017.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is found to be due to service. The appeal for higher ratings related to diabetes mellitus type II and its complications are remanded.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need to verify an in-service stressor related to a blizzard event. The Board also ordered updated VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea, increased rating for PTSD, and TDIU due to new evidence added to the record.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to unresolved issues related to the Veteran's military sexual trauma and psychiatric disorders. The VA examiner is requested to provide opinions on the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder(s) and GERD with hiatal hernia.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD is dismissed, and the issue of service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD is remanded.

The rating for the Veteran's service-connected PTSD was reduced from 100% to 70%, effective October 1, 2016. The Board found that this reduction was proper based on sustained improvement in the Veteran's symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with concussion, irritable bowel syndrome, left shoulder strain, lumbar spondylosis, tinnitus, hemorrhoids, and right knee strain, have prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment since November 26, 2008. The Board has granted TDIU effective as of that date.

The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent prior to September 19, 2020, due to insufficient evidence showing total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional development. The Veteran's hearing loss claim is denied as there is no current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss. Other claims are also remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD was not rated higher than 10 percent prior to March 28, 2019.,Effective as of March 28, 2019, the Veteran is now rated at 30 percent for his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and combined it with her PTSD for rating purposes.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of PTSD and lumbar spine strain, as well as her claim for service connection for hypertension, are being remanded due to the need for additional development. Her TDIU claim is also being remanded in conjunction with these other claims.

The Board has decided that the appellant is not eligible for direct payment of attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in a March 2018 rating decision. The case is being remanded to issue an SOC.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent, as they do not demonstrate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for TBI residuals and PTSD were denied because he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations without good cause.