PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Board has decided to remand the case due to additional development being needed, including obtaining VA and private treatment records for gastrointestinal symptoms, pancreatic cancer, PTSD, and alcohol abuse. The Board also needs a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and associated alcohol abuse contributed substantially or materially to his death from pancreatic cancer.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of January 9, 2004. The previous denials were due to the lack of verified in-service stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent since February 9, 2017. The Board granted an increased rating for PTSD and dismissed the issue of entitlement to a TDIU as moot.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to May 30, 2018 for the grant of service connection for PTSD is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to May 30, 2018 for a higher rating for back disability is denied.,The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to May 30, 2018 for bilateral hip limitation of flexion and right ankle disability are denied.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to May 30, 2018 for a higher rating for left hip limitation of flexion is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 12, 2015 for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound criteria is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension under the PACT Act presumption of service connection is granted.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, which is related to military sexual trauma (MST) experienced during basic training in 1974.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, which is now pending. The case will be reviewed to determine if there are any additional treatment records that need to be obtained and an opinion from a VA examiner regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused or aggravated his obesity, leading to his obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's PTSD, GERD, and migraines have been granted initial compensable evaluations. The appeal for service connection of other conditions (dyspnea, acne, blurred vision, fatigue, vertigo, syncope, and dizziness) has been remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU and SMC based on housebound status are granted due to his service-connected disabilities, including diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, PTSD, and other conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to May 23, 2014 resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.,From May 23, 2014, the Veteran's PTSD caused significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations and consideration of additional evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches. The psychiatric claims are remanded due to outstanding treatment records and the need for a VA opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's service connection for alcohol/substance abuse associated with PTSD is granted, and he receives a 70 percent rating for PTSD with substance/alcohol abuse. The evaluation for left knee chondromalacia with degenerative arthritis remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran is granted TDIU effective January 1, 2011 for his service-connected PTSD. The decision does not address any other conditions or issues.

Service connection for hearing loss is granted. Effective November 23, 2021, a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted. The claim of an increased rating for PTSD and the TDIU prior to November 23, 2021, are REMANDED.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating greater than 30 percent prior to December 11, 2019, and greater than 70 percent thereafter, for service-connected PTSD. Additionally, the TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and remanded the cases of lumbar spine disability and bilateral tinea pedis/tinea unguium.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected, with the Board finding that it is at least as likely as not related to her military noise exposure.,Service connection for PTSD due to MST is denied. The evidence does not meet the criteria set forth in the DSM-5 for a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is granted a 10 percent rating prior to March 10, 2020, and denied any higher rating thereafter.,Service connection for a psychiatric disability (to include PTSD) is denied.,Service connection for headaches is denied.,Service connection for hypertension is denied.,Service connection for left testicle condition is denied.,Service connection for right thumb condition is denied.,The claim to reopen the service connection for hearing loss was denied as no new and material evidence was received.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of entitlement to a total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) on an extraschedular basis prior to May 21, 2015. The matter is referred to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.