PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to a duty to assist error. A new opinion is needed to assess the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities on his employment.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD and service connection for hypertension was initially decided in the April 2023 rating decision. The Appellant is not eligible to receive attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded due to the initial nature of the claims, as attorneys may only charge for representation after an initial AOJ decision.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD and Persistent Depressive Disorder due to a failure to obtain verification of in-service stressors and to provide a VA examination.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU effective August 10, 2010, and basic eligibility to DEA benefits effective March 27, 2018. SMC based on housebound status was also granted effective July 31, 2018.,The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone supports the assignment of a TDIU, effective August 10, 2010.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection due to issues with character of discharge and other medical conditions. The specific reasons will be addressed by the AOJ in their further review.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD should be remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding his claimed stressors during service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a duty to assist error, including failing to obtain VA examinations and verify exposure to Agent Orange. The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis may be related to his service, particularly if he was exposed to Agent Orange. His acquired psychiatric disorder is also related to service.

The rating reduction for the Veteran's PTSD from a 70 percent rating to a 50 percent rating effective December 1, 2019 was improper. The 70 percent rating is restored as of that date.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, sleep apnea, and low back condition have been reopened due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The Board finds that his current obstructive sleep apnea is related to service, while his acquired psychiatric disorder and low back condition are not related to service.

The Board has dismissed the appeal regarding entitlement to service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and acid reflux (GERD) as the appellant requested a withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, gastrointestinal condition, and sleep apnea were either denied or remanded. The denial of PTSD was final due to lack of new and material evidence. Sleep apnea is being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, gastrointestinal condition, and sleep apnea were either denied or remanded. The denial of PTSD was final due to lack of new and material evidence. Sleep apnea is being remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with moderate opioid use disorder was rated at 70% prior to September 8, 2020. The rating became static in September 2020 and conferred permanent total disability status for DEA eligibility.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of April 28, 1986 for the award of service connection for PTSD based on new and relevant service personnel records.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions due to the Veteran's failure to report for VA examinations. The issues of service connection are now pending and will be addressed by the AOJ.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU rating, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder associated with conjunctivitis is rated at 70 percent, which grants a higher rating than the current 50 percent. Other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, tension headaches, GERD, and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease are either denied or have compensable ratings.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but the claim for OSA service connection remains pending and requires further examination.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The case will be returned for further medical evaluation and opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent prior to November 18, 2021, and in excess of 70 percent, onward, for his service-connected PTSD has been dismissed as the Veteran requested withdrawal of this issue.