PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The appeal for reducing the PTSD rating from 100% to 70% and restoring the back disability rating from 40% to 20% was denied. The appeal for severance of SMC housebound benefits was granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other mental health conditions, as well as secondary service connection for substance use disorders, sleep apnea, and diabetes mellitus type II. The claims are being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD has been denied. However, his claim for a higher evaluation for PTSD on or after May 8, 2015, was granted and he is now receiving a 70% evaluation from that date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate examination findings and new evidence. The case will be reviewed by the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ).

The Veteran's lumbar strain is granted as service-connected, with an effective date of January 1979.,Service connection for asthma is granted from August 5, 2021, due to exposure to particulate matter in Southwest Asia. The effective date remains August 4, 2010.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to issues with notification of alternative sources of evidence, verification of in-service personal assault stressor, and obtaining private treatment records. The Veteran's claim for service connection is pending further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding whether the Veteran's alcohol abuse was aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and if so, whether it caused or materially contributed to his death. The case is now pending for further review.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment as of September 11, 2018. Prior to this date, the evidence did not meet the criteria for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent from June 27, 2014. The Board also granted entitlement to a TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD and depressive disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder are related to in-service stressors.,The Veteran's alcohol use disorder is secondary to his service-connected PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder. His pancreatitis is also secondary to his alcohol use disorder.

The Veteran's cause of death was a subdural hematoma due to alcohol intoxication. The Board finds that remand is necessary for a VA medical opinion regarding the likely etiology of his psychiatric disorders and whether they are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied in a March 2009 rating decision, which became final. The claim was reopened and granted on April 12, 2018, with an effective date of that day. The Board found that the earliest eligible date for the grant of service connection is April 12, 2018.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD, service connection for sleep apnea, and service connection for a right knee disorder are remanded due to the need for additional development including VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been withdrawn. The Board has also remanded several issues related to service connection.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type 2, PTSD, and adenocarcinoma of the stomach and duodenum are all remanded for further examination and opinion. The service connection for these conditions is being reviewed in light of potential exposure to herbicides during active duty.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, as there was no diagnosis of PTSD that conforms to the requirements of DSM-5 and no evidence linking current psychiatric symptoms to military service.

The Board has remanded the claim for additional development to verify in-service stressors and obtain updated VA treatment records. A VA psychiatric examination will be scheduled to determine if any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is related to service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected, and the claims for right ear hearing loss and left ear hearing loss are reopened. The remaining issues related to bilateral hearing loss, psychiatric disability, bilateral eye disability, and foot disabilities are remanded for further development.,Additional medical records should be obtained in order to fully assess the Veteran's current conditions and provide a comprehensive evaluation of his claims.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent, and his TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is presumed to be related to his service in the Persian Gulf, and he was granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD and MDD. The Board found that the Veteran's in-service stressors were corroborated and linked to his current conditions.