PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board dismissed the appeals regarding service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, hypertension, low back pain, and chronic pain syndrome. The claims were dismissed as premature due to a VA medical opinion being deferred.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, as well as flat feet. The Veteran's lay statements and buddy statement were not considered in the previous VA examination, and a new one is needed to address these issues.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and effective dates has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for PTSD, allergic rhinitis, hypertension, GERD with IBS, or headaches. Effective dates were also denied for various claims.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, which existed at the time of his unsatisfactory participation and separation from service, would have warranted a discharge for disability. As such, he meets the criteria to establish basic eligibility for VA home loan benefits.

The Board has denied service connection for sleep apnea and remanded the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD and depression.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is granted as service connected. The Board found the evidence at least in approximate balance regarding whether his conditions were caused by military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, is found to be at least as likely as not related to service. The appeal for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and individual unemployability is remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bronchitis, finding no current disability in either case. The claim for glaucoma is remanded due to inadequate examination.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) claim is also remanded as there was insufficient evidence provided by the VA examiner.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD has been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's OSA and PTSD are granted as service-connected. The claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and status post subarachnoid hemorrhage due to photography chemicals (SAH) are remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, including personality disorder and PTSD, is granted as service connected. The Board found the evidence sufficient to grant service connection due to a qualifying event in service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, intervertebral disc syndrome, cervical radiculopathy of the bilateral upper extremities, and neuropathy/radiculopathy/neurogenic claudication of the bilateral lower extremities, have rendered him in need of regular aid and assistance. The Board has granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the regular need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board grants his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis and DDD was granted effective August 29, 2022. Service connection was established for vitreous syneresis / vitreous floaters of both eyes. The claims for service connection for refractive error of both eyes (myopia and astigmatism), bilateral hearing loss disability, residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), obstructive sleep apnea, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) were all denied.

The Veteran's PTSD, with generalized anxiety disorder and other specified trauma and related disorder are found to be related to his in-service stressors. The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is currently rated at a 10 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and alcohol use disorder were not related to service, and thus denied their claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD, including substance abuse and depression, was denied as the effective date of June 6, 2023, is considered the earliest possible effective date given his intent to file on that day.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD at her August 2024 hearing, thus the issue is dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since July 31, 2024. The Board has now granted an initial rating of 70%, but not higher, for his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the prior VA examination and the need for a new opinion.