PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment during the period from April 29, 2016, to January 9, 2019.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD and multiple sclerosis have been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board requested additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and medical opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD prior to September 25, 2019 is being remanded due to the failure to conduct a formal hearing before the Decision Officer Review (DRO).

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100 percent rating, the highest possible rating, effective from when service connection was initially established.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for Multiple Sclerosis and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to inadequate development, including failure to obtain VA examinations and verify in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and analysis.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development and examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD; sleep disorder; lumbar spine disability; right lower extremity disability; left lower extremity disability; skin disability; right shoulder disability; left shoulder disability; bilateral hearing loss; tinnitus; headaches; and dizziness. The Veteran's period of active service is not established as honorable.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and reopening of previously denied claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and verifying in-service stressors.

The case is being remanded to obtain an adequate VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including depression and PTSD.

The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD was granted, but he contends his symptoms are more severe than reflected by the current rating. The Board has ordered a new VA examination with a Spanish interpreter to assess the severity of his PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and the scars associated with his right femur fracture are not compensable. The Board has remanded for further examination to address functional limitations due to the right femur disability.,The residuals from the right femur fracture require a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which is attributed to his military service in Iraq.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted effective March 24, 2016. The conditions leading to the grant of TDIU were already service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that new and material evidence has been received to reopen her previously denied claim. The Board also found credible supporting evidence of a personal assault during basic training in early 1979 as the basis for her PTSD diagnosis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, IBS, and tinnitus) are found to preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment. Therefore, a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is granted.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development due to the submission of new VA treatment records and medical examination results.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral arm numbness, back disorder, and psychiatric disorders due to potential issues with the opinions provided. The Veteran's service connection claims are not granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and schizophrenia with depressive symptoms, is at least as likely as not related to his service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder, finding that there is an indirect association between PTSD and abnormal sleep schedules resulting in daytime sleepiness/fatigue.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70% rating, asthma is granted on presumptive basis under the PACT Act, and migraine headaches are denied. Service connection for an upper respiratory disorder other than asthma is also remanded.