PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD, including severe alcohol and cannabis use disorders, is now rated at 70 percent effective from February 4, 2021. The claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities has been remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of records and failure to adequately address relevant evidence. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Mood Disorder NOS, is now pending again.

The Veteran's PTSD and TBI symptoms do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent, as they do not cause total social and occupational impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent prior to June 10, 2022, and at 70 percent thereafter. The Veteran's right knee chondromalacia is currently rated at 10 percent prior to June 2, 2022, and at 40 percent thereafter.,The VA has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating for PTSD or right knee chondromalacia based on the severity of his symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment, and thus denied his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and consideration. The Veteran's left shoulder condition requires a new examination to assess the severity of his flare-ups. His cervical spine condition must be evaluated in relation to his service-connected left shoulder condition. An addendum opinion is needed regarding the acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as an assessment of polyuria and hypertension.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. The Veteran's cervical spine condition needs a new examination that addresses whether it is secondary to his service-connected left shoulder impingement syndrome. A new opinion on the acquired psychiatric disorder must be provided, considering the Veteran's contentions about insomnia, adjustment disorder, and depression.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder needs a new examination that addresses whether it is related to his service. An addendum opinion should be provided regarding polyuria and hypertension.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. The Veteran's kidney condition, claimed as kidney cancer, requires an addendum opinion addressing the relationship between his in-service stone removal and current issues. A new examination is needed for renal insufficiency and hypertension.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. An addendum opinion should be provided regarding polyuria and hypertension.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder needs a new examination that addresses whether it occurred in service or is related to his service-connected conditions. A new opinion on polyuria and hypertension must also be provided.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. An addendum opinion should be provided regarding the relationship between the Veteran's headaches and his service-connected shoulder condition, as well as whether it is caused by or aggravated by any other service-connected conditions.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for higher initial ratings for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss. The right knee and left knee disability claims are remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, are granted. The claim for residuals of a left eyebrow scar is denied. The claim for residuals of a fractured arm injury (now claimed as left wrist sprain) is reopened.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The case was remanded due to incomplete medical records.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of November 3, 2015 for the award of a 70 percent rating for PTSD. The decision is based on evidence showing that the Veteran's PTSD symptoms had been worsening as of this date.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for additional acquired psychiatric disability, to include aggravation of service-connected PTSD, major depression and alcohol abuse in remission is denied as there is no evidence that the VA medical care caused an additional disability or aggravated a pre-existing condition.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran is in need of aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD. The examiner should consider the Veteran's wife's statement regarding her assistance with daily activities and whether his PTSD requires regular care or assistance.

The claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding the Veteran's exposure history and etiology of his seizure disorder, fatigue, headaches, and psychiatric condition.

The Board denied service connection for a right leg disability and an increased rating for PTSD. The Veteran's right leg disability was not found to be related to service, while the PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to October 18, 2021, and 70 percent from that date.

Service connection is granted for PTSD. Service connection for a left foot disability and request to reopen service connection for bilateral eye disability are remanded.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of March 31, 2014 for the Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD). The decision finds that the claim was filed on March 31, 1975 and adjudicated in September 1975. New service department records associated with the claims file during the July 2002 adjudication of the Veteran's claim show the Veteran's in-service symptomatology and chart his decline in performance around 1973, consistent with the onset of an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD).

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including PTSD, left ear hearing loss, foot conditions, cervical and lumbar spine conditions, sleep apnea, TBI, headaches, and seizures. The Veteran was not provided with a VA examination for his feet or headaches, and additional records are needed regarding an accident in Tennessee.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding no current disability related to service and insufficient evidence linking any diagnosed conditions to service.

Service connection for COPD is denied. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of COPD.,PTSD with depressive disorder was granted at a 70% rating prior to December 22, 2020, but the claim for a higher rating remains pending.

The Board has granted a 100 percent rating for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD, which includes symptoms such as severe depression, social isolation, suicidal ideation, and auditory delusions. The decision is based on evidence showing total occupational and social impairment.