PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's appeals for GERD, irritable colon syndrome, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD including a personality disorder, rectal bleeding, and a right testicular condition have been dismissed. The appeal for service connection for tinnitus has been granted. Service connection for asthma pursuant to the PACT Act is also granted.,The Veteran's appeals for service connection for back condition, left shoulder condition, right shoulder condition, right hip condition, left knee condition, right knee condition, plantar fasciitis, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with TBI was rated at 30 percent for the period from September 7, 2005, to June 17, 2020. The appeal is denied as his condition did not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the issues of entitlement to a rating higher than 70 percent for PTSD and entitlement to a compensable rating for hypertension due to exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with mild alcohol and cannabis use disorder has prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment since July 13, 2018.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disability is granted a 50 percent rating, effective from March 21, 2002. The claim for total disability based on individual unemployability is also granted.

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD and a higher initial rating. The Board has determined that the claim must be remanded to correct a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective January 28, 2019. The rating reflects occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's service-connected other specified trauma and stressor related disorder is granted a 50 percent evaluation, resolving doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's skin disorder and PTSD were not granted service connection, and the rating for PTSD was denied. The Board found that there is no evidence linking the Veteran's current symptoms to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected due to credible evidence supporting the occurrence of in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate prior to July 19, 2021 was denied as he did not have a single service-connected disability rated at 100% or a TDIU due solely to a single disability and additional service-connected disability ratable at 60%, separate and distinct from the 100% service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status has been remanded due to an inadequate examination report. The Board requires a VA examination to clarify whether her service-connected PTSD causes her need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a comprehensive VA mental health examination to determine the likely etiology of the claimed psychiatric disorder and whether any sleep disorder is secondary to the diagnosed condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD and its relationship to service. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, which he contends was caused by combat exposure in Iraq.

The Board has determined that the appellant's military service does not entitle him to VA benefits due to his discharge from service. The appeal is remanded for a determination of whether the appellant was insane at the time of misconduct leading to his discharge.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, which render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal for a temporary total rating for hospital treatment due to PTSD and an increased rating for PTSD was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a temporary total rating, as his hospitalization was primarily related to substance abuse rather than PTSD. For the period prior to January 16, 2023, the Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency. From January 16, 2023, the Veteran's PTSD more closely approximated an occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) is dismissed. The claims of service connection for fibromyalgia, IBS, and a skin disorder of the bilateral feet are reopened. Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), obesity, and diabetes mellitus are denied. An increased rating for PTSD is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for fatigue, headaches, acquired psychiatric condition (including PTSD and depression), dizziness, and a back condition due to procedural issues and the need for further development.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims and a claim under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for TBI. The Veteran's psychiatric disability remains the focus of his appeal, with hepatitis C secondary to that disability also being addressed.