PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to February 26, 2020 more nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but not total occupational and social impairment. The appeal is denied for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to provide adequate notice and scheduling of a VA examination for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Board has determined that the withholding of VA compensation benefits to recoup separation pay in the amount of $23,484.38 was proper and this appeal is denied as a matter of law.

The Veteran withdrew all remaining issues on appeal, including the claim for increases in the staged ratings assigned for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for SMC at the housebound rate is denied as he does not meet the threshold requirements for such a grant due to his service-connected disabilities and their ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's in-service sexual assault is a stressor that led to her current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD prior to September 5, 2019, finding that the Veteran's symptoms caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, anxiety, and depression as secondary to the Veteran's in-service sexual assault (MST). The decision is based on credible evidence of the stressor incident.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to August 6, 2018 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of unemployability due to service-connected disabilities alone.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's reported stressors related to his fear of hostile military or terrorist activity during service are credible and consistent with the circumstances of his service. The decision is based on new evidence provided by the VA in granting presumptive service connection for another condition (IBS) based on service in Southwest Asia.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has resulted in a TDIU since October 1, 2016 and SMC at the housebound rate since January 18, 2023.

The Board has decided that a remand is necessary to obtain a new examination and medical opinion to determine the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, has been granted. The effective date of the grant is November 8, 2013, for his TBI to include memory loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete examination and lack of continuity of symptomatology. The Veteran's service includes exposure as a first responder in the Coast Guard, which may be related to PTSD. However, the examiner found no clear evidence that any preexisting condition was aggravated by service or that PTSD is directly linked to service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has resulted in a C1-C4 level spinal cord injury with quadriplegia/tetraplegia, and the Board finds that his PTSD is at least as likely as not proximately due to this injury. The Veteran also experienced significant functional impairment from his PTSD, warranting a 70 percent rating since March 9, 2011. However, there is no evidence of total occupational and social impairment or a level of disability approximating such impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD, IHD, and Hypertension have been granted service connection. He is rated at 70% for PTSD, 60% for IHD, and 0% for Hypertension.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues of PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, right foot condition, left foot condition, and back condition are all being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability, PTSD, and acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) are not related to service. The claims for these conditions are being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder with PTSD, and related alcohol abuse, contributed to his death. The decision grants service connection for cause of death.

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of substantial compliance with prior remand directives and insufficient medical opinions regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.