PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD due to MST, as there is insufficient evidence and a need for further examination.

The Veteran's hypertension and obesity have non-compensable ratings, while her PTSD is rated at 50 percent. The Board has remanded the issues of a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU.,Obesity was granted as secondary to PTSD, but cannot be compensated under the schedule for rating disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or at the housebound rate has been dismissed due to the Veteran's motion to dismiss.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for PTSD, IBS, lumbosacral strain, and left cubital tunnel syndrome are denied as the earliest possible effective date allowable by law is May 15, 2018.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on multiple service-connected disabilities remain pending.

The appeal seeking a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis is dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for PTSD and unspecified anxiety disorder, sleep disturbances including obstructive sleep apnea, and headaches.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, depressive disorder, TBI, and related disabilities, were denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or link to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence for a left eardrum disability. The other issues are being remanded as well.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bipolar disorder has been dismissed as the Veteran requested withdrawal of his appeal.,The Veteran's appeals for service connection for a gastrointestinal disability (IBS) and an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with alcohol use disorder are both remanded.

The Veteran's hairy cell leukemia is granted as due to Agent Orange exposure.,Service connection for PTSD was remanded.

The reduction of the disability rating for PTSD from 70% to 50%, effective April 1, 2014, was improper. The Veteran's entitlement to TDIU was also improperly discontinued. Restoration of a 70% disability rating for PTSD is granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected PTSD, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD. The case is returned for further development and consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, but the other issues related to psychiatric disorders and lumbar spine disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since April 2017. The Board granted a rating of 70 percent, but no higher, for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder due to inadequate examination findings. The case will be returned for a new VA psychiatric examination.

The claim for diabetes mellitus type II due to herbicide exposure was denied as the Veteran did not serve in or near the Korean DMZ during the relevant period. The claims for acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, right shoulder disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, and low back disability are all remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to April 3, 2017. As a result, the Board has granted a TDIU for this period.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD has been denied because he failed to attend the scheduled VA examination without good cause.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral tinnitus and left ear hearing loss were denied. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent prior to December 16, 2016 for PTSD (to include substance abuse) was also denied.,No effective date was granted as the appeal period began on November 8, 2007.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The claim is also granted as new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the previously denied claim.