PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for PTSD was granted, and implicitly denied his claim for TDIU based on the evidence of record. The effective date is not specified as it is fixed in accordance with the facts found.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms and overall impairment more nearly approximated deficiencies in most areas, but did not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment. The Board granted an initial disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to military sexual trauma (MST) that occurred during her active duty service. The evidence received since the February 2019 rating decision supports this determination.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to an in-service accident, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The claims of bilateral foot plantar fasciitis, chronic left hip pain disability, chronic neck pain disability, and right shoulder disability are remanded due to a lack of VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date and a higher initial rating for PTSD with Alcohol Use Disorder was denied. The Board found no CUE in the September 2009 decision denying service connection, as the evidence did not meet the criteria for PTSD under DSM-IV at that time. For the increased rating claim, the Veteran's symptoms were rated as reducing reliability and productivity but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment due to lack of anatomical loss or permanent loss of use of a hand or foot.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability for VA purposes, and therefore service connection is denied.,The issue of entitlement to service connection for insomnia was granted as 'PTSD, claimed as insomnia,' in an August 2019 rating decision.

The Veteran's dementia, OSA, PTSD, depression, and anxiety were not incurred in or aggravated by service.,The Veteran was diagnosed with these conditions after service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral knee disability and right hip disability, as well as an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD. The Veteran's bilateral knee disability is denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service. For PTSD, the Board found that symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher 70% rating but are consistent with a 50% rating.

The Veteran's service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disability and gastritis are remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board found no direct service connection but also could not rule out a link based on exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if service connection should be granted for right wrist condition, left wrist condition, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's low back pain and dysfunction, neck pain and dysfunction, right hip pain and dysfunction, and left hip pain and dysfunction are all granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's psychiatric disorder (posttraumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, other specified trauma/stressor related disorder) is also granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's AMA appeal regarding service connection for a psychiatric disorder is dismissed due to procedural issues.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU from October 12, 2018 due to service-connected PTSD.,Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits are granted from October 12, 2018.,Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) based on housebound status is denied as of February 22, 2023.

The Board has determined that there was a failure to adequately attempt to verify the Veteran's reported stressors for PTSD, and thus remands the case for further action.

Major Depressive Disorder and Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorder are granted as service-connected.,PTSD is denied as not meeting the criteria for a diagnosis under DSM-5.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of PTSD and other specified trauma disorder due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, MDD, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities have been granted. The claim for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities is remanded due to exposure in Vietnam and Guam.,Service connection has been established for PTSD, MDD, and peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to a failure to properly notify the Veteran of his scheduled VA examination and incomplete private treatment records. The Board finds that good cause has been shown for the Veteran's absence from the scheduled examination.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD service connection is denied as there was no communication prior to December 26, 2018 indicating intent to file a claim.