PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

An effective date of September 22, 2011, and no earlier, for the award of service connection for PTSD is granted. The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD and a TDIU is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to August 26, 2015, for the grant of service connection for mental health condition, including PTSD with panic attacks, nightmare disorder, and opioid disorder is denied as he did not file a claim prior to that date.

The Board has remanded the case due to concerns about the accuracy of a private mental health evaluation and the need for additional evidence to corroborate in-service stressors. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and major depression is being reviewed again.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected. The lung and right foot conditions are remanded for further review.

The Board has granted an effective date of March 3, 2014 for the assignment of a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD. This is based on the Veteran's continuous pursuit of her claim since March 3, 2014.

The appeal as to service connection for PTSD is dismissed.,Entitlement to an initial compensable rating for the left lower extremity radiculopathy of the external cutaneous nerve is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for PTSD and service connection for supraventricular arrhythmia, secondary to PTSD, is being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder. The decision finds that these conditions are related to active-duty service.

The Veteran's PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are granted service connection. The Veteran's bilateral vision loss is denied as not incurred in or related to his active service.

The Veteran's TDIU and eligibility for DEA benefits are granted effective July 20, 2015. The earlier effective dates of August 11, 2016, previously awarded by the Board, are vacated.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that it was incurred in or caused by his honorable period of service.,Service connection for right ankle disability, left ankle disability, and right shoulder disability are all denied due to lack of credible supporting evidence that these conditions began during active service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for back condition, depression, PTSD, and left shin splints.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to verify the Veteran's in-service stressors and obtain medical opinions regarding his psychiatric, prostate cancer residuals, COPD, dementia, and sleep disorder claims. The issues have been remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantial gainful occupation since January 9, 2012. The Board finds that the criteria for a TDIU under 38 CFR §4.16(a) are met from this date.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the claims of service connection for chronic bronchitis, tension headaches, chronic depression, PTSD, and a reproductive disorder (claimed as erectile dysfunction).

The Board has remanded the claims for increased PTSD ratings and TDIU due to insufficient evidence, including private treatment records and employment information. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have worsened since his last VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD with anxiety and depression is a result of his service, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent prior to March 16, 2020. The appeal for increased ratings for PTSD from March 16, 2020 to April 14, 2021 and from April 14, 2021 is denied.