PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding an in-service personal assault that could support a PTSD diagnosis. The Veteran's claims file will be forwarded to an appropriate medical or mental health professional for an opinion on whether there is credible evidence of the alleged assault.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is granted with an effective date of May 3, 2015. The Board also found that his sleep apnea issue was remanded due to procedural issues.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent for the period prior to January 14, 2020, and a higher rating of over 70 percent from that date is denied. A TDIU due to PTSD was granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed due to withdrawal of the diabetes mellitus, umbilical hernia, and right eyelid condition issues. The Veteran's migraine headaches and acquired psychiatric condition (including MDD and PTSD) have been granted.,Issues related to spastic duodenal bulb, asthma, bilateral hips, bilateral feet, hiatal hernia, bilateral knees, skin condition, left finger, bilateral elbows, bilateral hands, malaria symptoms, lazy esophageal sphincter, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, ischemic colitis, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), diverticulitis, low back, and neck conditions have been remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of VA examination, and the Veteran's responsibility to cooperate in the development process.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a hearing request are being remanded due to the need for additional records, including treatment from VA facilities, private providers, and police reports related to his confinement.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities from November 17, 2015. The appeal is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of PTSD was denied as the severity, frequency, and duration of his symptoms did not more closely approximate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.,Service connection for a left shoulder condition, right shoulder condition, left wrist condition, low back condition, left leg condition, and left ankle condition were all denied due to lack of evidence showing these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no evidence linking his current diagnosis to his in-service stressors and that his symptoms were more likely due to post-service work at a coroner's office.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and posttraumatic stress disorder), narcolepsy, sleep apnea, insomnia, and chronic fatigue due to additional development. The AOJ must document all participation in TERAs during the Veteran's service in VA's exposure tracking system and associate this record with the Veteran's electronic claims file.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the submission of additional evidence not previously considered.

The Board has remanded several claims related to service connection, effective dates, and ratings for various conditions including sinusitis, tinnitus, left ear hearing loss, a scalp scar, traumatic brain injury (TBI), PTSD, and alcohol abuse disorder. The AOJ is instructed to consider all additional evidence received since the last adjudication in February 2020 and March 2020.

The Veteran's TDIU for PTSD prior to October 8, 2021 is granted. The issue of an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD prior to October 8, 2021 is dismissed as moot.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasons for denying service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if he has any current psychiatric conditions, including PTSD, and whether these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus and plantar fascitis, PTSD, right wrist ganglion cyst with tendonitis, and left wrist ganglion cyst with tendonitis, do not render her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of compliance with prior remand instructions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, specifically addressing in-service marital conflicts and stressors.

The Veteran's appeals for bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, and depression have been withdrawn. The Board has dismissed these issues as the Veteran withdrew his claims. The Board also remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for a right lower leg condition and a left lower leg condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not require regular aid and attendance, thus denying his claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance by another person.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was previously denied, but new evidence has been submitted. The Board has decided to reopen the claim and remand it for further development including an examination.