PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including updated treatment records from the Vet Center.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for anonychia of the left great toe has been granted. The appeal for PTSD was withdrawn, and a rating of 70 percent is granted from May 1, 2020, with remand for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the issues on appeal, including a VA examination for PTSD and verification of employment status.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 50% rating from January 18, 2018 to October 16, 2019. A 70% rating for PTSD is granted from October 17, 2019. The nontoxic diffuse goiter with fatigue and breathing complaints are rated at a 50% since the Veteran's symptoms do not meet criteria for hypothyroidism or related residuals. Initial compensable ratings of 10% are assigned for left and right knee limitations of extension and instability, respectively.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an increased rating to 70 percent from April 17, 2023.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for migraine headaches and PTSD, as well as TDIU, are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and the retrieval of outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that a VA medical opinion is needed to decide whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, and MDD, is related to his active service. The claim will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied, and his claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted effective March 1, 2017. The Board found that the severity of the Veteran's PTSD did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied due to lack of evidence supporting the conditions. The claim for a low back condition was reopened, but not granted as there is no medical opinion linking it to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate compliance with prior remand instructions, specifically regarding medical opinions for sleep apnea. The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, low back disability, and hypertension are being considered as potential causes or aggravators of his sleep apnea.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent prior to August 21, 2023, and the Board found that this rating adequately reflects his symptoms of anxiety, depression, irritability, anger, sleep impairment, mood swings, and memory loss. The Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher rating as he did not demonstrate suicidal ideation or other severe manifestations.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is granted from April 30, 2014 to April 8, 2020. The other issues are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disabilities, particularly PTSD. The VA needs to provide a new examination and consider alternative sources of evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder are rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum rating available.,The Veteran's fungal skin infection of bilateral feet does not meet a compensable rating criteria.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities, particularly those related to Reserve service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and unspecified depressive disorder, arose during or as a result of his active military service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD due to MST is granted, and his previously denied claim of service connection for a bilateral ankle disability is reopened. The case is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD and an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to March 24, 2017, for service connection of PTSD and peripheral neuropathy of all four extremities. The issues were remanded for further development.