PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol and cannabis use disorder has been productive of total occupational and social impairment throughout the rating period on appeal, or from November 15, 2018 to the present. The Board finds that a 100 percent rating is warranted for his condition.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is currently rated at 70 percent disabling. The Board has found that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating, and thus denied an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD. The TDIU claim must be remanded as part of this decision.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected right hip strain, GERD/acid reflux disease, asthma, and acquired psychiatric condition due to changes in symptoms since previous examinations. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with these increased rating claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful occupation prior to June 1, 2020.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, left shoulder and ankle conditions, knee degenerative joint disease, radiculopathy, skin disorders, cervical spine disability, facial injury residuals, TMJ, sleep apnea, headaches, hand tremors, CFS, fibromyalgia, and muscle and joint pain. The Board finds that additional evidence is needed to properly evaluate these issues.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate rationale for a VA opinion on persistent depressive disorder. The Veteran's claim is now pending again with the expectation of obtaining new evidence or information.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating.,Sleep apnea and eczema are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100% evaluation of PTSD was denied as it could not be factually ascertainable that the increase in severity occurred prior to January 29, 2019.

The Board has determined that the reduction in VA disability compensation benefits during a period of incarceration from August [REDACTED], 2018, through November [REDACTED], 2018, was improper and has granted restoration of full VA disability compensation benefits for this period.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, to include schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder was granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's current diagnoses include borderline personality disorder, which may also include an adjustment disorder.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD and schizoaffective disorder, finding that there is no evidence of a current diagnosis related to his military service. The Board also found that the Veteran's bilateral foot or ankle disability claim was remanded due to additional development being required.

An increased disability rating of 70 percent for service-connected PTSD was granted from March 13, 2014 to November 28, 2018.,A total disability rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability due to service connected disability (TDIU) was also granted during the same period.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining additional VA medical opinions regarding the cause of the Veteran's death and whether PTSD is related to military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and bilateral dry eye syndrome due to additional relevant VA treatment records and examination reports being associated with the case file after the issuance of a March 2022 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, calcaneal fracture of the right foot, and anterior cruciate ligament tear of the right knee. The decision is based on obesity being an intermediate step in causing the Veteran's sleep apnea.

The appeal for service connection for PTSD or other acquired psychiatric disorders, including unspecified depressive disorder, is dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's dental caries claim is being remanded due to a duty-to-assist error, while his PTSD rating appeal requires obtaining authorization for private treatment records.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to an earlier effective date for service connection and a higher initial disability rating for psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's claim is being reviewed due to new evidence from the National Personnel Records Center.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted a 40 percent rating, effective from the date of the July 2018 VA audiological examination. The increased PTSD rating remains denied.