PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has prevented him from securing and maintaining gainful employment since April 22, 2015. His earned income did not meet the poverty threshold for one person during the relevant years.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and reopening his claim of bilateral hearing loss were denied due to the Veteran failing to appear at scheduled VA examinations without good cause.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no evidence of a verified in-service stressor and the claimed psychiatric disorder did not manifest during or within one year after service. The Board found that the Veteran's statements regarding his alleged stressors are unreliable.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, and additional development is needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding records and a need for a new VA mental disorders examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including sleep apnea, PTSD, low back disability, right and left ankle conditions, pes planus, tinnitus, IBS, and tendonitis, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since his separation from active duty in May 2016. The Board has granted TDIU effective May 15, 2016.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection claims have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, fibromyalgia, colitis, headaches, and right knee chondromalacia patella, have rendered her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since December 7, 2010. Her TDIU claim is granted effective from that date.

The Board has decided to remand several claims for further development due to insufficient medical information and the need to obtain updated treatment records. The claims include earlier effective dates and evaluations for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, bilateral knee meniscal tears with degenerative arthritis (now claimed as knee pain), residuals of cold injury of the bilateral hands, and posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection of left and right ankle disabilities, left and right knee disabilities, and psychiatric disability (PTSD). The Board found that there is at least an approximate balance of evidence to support a finding that these conditions began in service. Service connection was granted for all claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and information.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD and major depressive disorder with psychotic features, is granted as service-connected. The claim for hypertension remains pending and will be remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's degenerative joint disease with spondylosis of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board notes that an examination is needed to determine its current severity.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for PTSD was granted. The Board also found that the Veteran is entitled to increased ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, with a disability rating of 30 percent for each right upper extremity from July 6, 2022, and a disability rating of 40 percent for each left upper extremity from July 6, 2022. The Veteran's lower extremities continue to be rated at 10 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a new examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder present during the appeal period.

The Veteran's PTSD rating was restored to 70 percent effective May 1, 2017. A higher rating for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective May 14, 2015. The claim for an increased rating prior to that date was denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression, due to a lack of credible evidence linking these conditions to his in-service stressors.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder and PTSD, is now rated at 70 percent effective February 6, 2018.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and headaches due to incomplete or inadequate examination reports. The claims are being returned for further development.