PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied as his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his right and left knee conditions, as well as his posttraumatic stress disorder with somatic symptom disorder, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's PTSD with accompanying agoraphobia is rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating. The Board found that her symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for vertigo was denied as there is no medical evidence showing a current diagnosis of vertigo related to service.,A 70 percent rating for PTSD was granted, effective from February 5, 2020.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased initial rating for his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's hypertension was not found to meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,Bilateral hearing loss and psychiatric disorders were not diagnosed or service-connected.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas prior to May 28, 2021. However, the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they did not result in total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current PTSD and other specified stressor related disorder are related to his military service, including a military sexual trauma (MST) event. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's alcohol use disorder, stimulant use disorder, cannabis use disorder, and other hallucinogen use disorder are found to be causally linked to his service-connected PTSD symptomatology.

The Veteran's initial rating for a left big toe scar is granted at 10 percent. The initial rating for PTSD remains at 70 percent, and the initial rating for a left knee disorder is denied.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of PTSD due to a full grant of benefits. The Veteran's PFB and left knee disability were granted with appropriate ratings.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error and requires an addendum VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's OSA is caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, including major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD with insomnia disorder is granted a 70 percent rating, but denied any higher ratings. The Veteran also has bilateral hearing loss rated at 10 percent and the TDIU claim is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and service connection for a neck disorder were denied due to the Veteran failing to appear for scheduled VA examinations. The Board found that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to the claimed conditions, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to March 15, 2024. The Board denied the claim for TDIU as his education and work history indicated he had the physical and mental ability to obtain and maintain such employment.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation, as they are considered to be most appropriately rated at 70 percent.

The appeal for service connection of PTSD is dismissed. Service connection has been granted for undiagnosed illness manifested by chronic stomach pain and chest tightness and shortness of breath.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was granted effective December 11, 2019. The effective date of the 100 percent disability rating is also set to this date.,For TDIU, the Veteran's claim remains pending as no effective date has been determined.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as secondary to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, back, left knee, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, have precluded him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board has remanded the case for further development to obtain a vocational opinion considering all relevant evidence.