PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for TDIU and a higher rating for PTSD are being remanded due to procedural errors in the initial development of these issues.

The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period prior to January 18, 2013 is granted. The service connection claim for sleep apnea is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding whether the service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, sinusitis, asthma, rhinitis, IBS, CAD, right ankle disability, right knee disability, headaches, tinnitus, and left ear hearing loss, have caused obesity. The examiner should also assess if obesity is a substantial factor in causing sleep apnea.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is granted as a result of presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service. The low back disorder, PTSD, enlarged prostate condition, and bladder condition are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50% prior to June 19, 2020. The Board finds that the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder have been granted a 70 percent rating from April 13, 2017. This reflects the severity of his symptoms which include occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a gynecological disorder are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has granted the appellant's recognition as the Veteran's surviving spouse for purposes of VA death benefits and remanded the issues related to service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a rating of 100% effective March 21, 2018. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus was denied. Service connection for erectile dysfunction and migraine headaches secondary to PTSD was granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to her military service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and a recurrent left knee disability are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in denying service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's stressor claim will be reconsidered, and a search will be conducted by RMDA to verify his reported in-service tent fire incident.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Barrett's esophagus, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding potential toxic exposure during service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder, thoracolumbar spine sprain with degenerative changes, and bilateral knee conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is related to his active service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for SMC based on housebound criteria is denied as he did not meet the schedular criteria for entitlement to SMC prior to May 23, 2008.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder prior to October 3, 2019, is granted a 70 percent evaluation. The matter of TDIU is remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, unspecified depressive disorder, and unspecified anxious disorder as there was no evidence of an in-service stressor or a current disability related to the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted under the PACT Act effective August 10, 2022. The claim of service connection for a seizure disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD remains pending as remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected conditions and his obstructive sleep apnea. The case must be returned for further action.