PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has reopened several service connection claims but denied some, resulting in a mixed disposition. The Veteran's new evidence relates to the unestablished facts necessary for reopening these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety. The decision is based on the appellant's reported in-service stressors that are consistent with his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 70 percent since June 17, 2021. The Board finds the Veteran's PTSD symptoms more nearly approximate the level of impairment contemplated by a 70 percent disability rating throughout the period on appeal. For his bilateral pes planus and right knee conditions, the ratings remain denied.

The Veteran's service connection for hypertension is granted under the PACT Act. His PTSD with anxiety disorder remains at a 70% rating, and he is granted TDIU as of April 21, 2012. The ratings for his lumbar spine and right shoulder disabilities remain remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of entitlement to an earlier effective date for a 100 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, were not found to have begun during service or be related to any in-service events. The Board concluded that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and PTSD, rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation as of September 21, 2015. The Board has remanded the issue for further development.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the appellant's withdrawal of her appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since the beginning of the appeal period, but a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and prostate cancer have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD was granted. Increased ratings were awarded for lumbar strain (40%), bilateral foot degenerative joint disease (10%), and migraine cephalgia (30%). The effective date for the increase to a 10 percent rating for bilateral feet degenerative joint disease is May 25, 2017.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for PTSD and sleep apnea, as well as his TDIU claim, are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations.

The Veteran is entitled to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability from January 1, 2013 due to service-connected PTSD.,From January 1, 2013, the Veteran is also eligible for special monthly compensation for housebound status.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions and needs further examination regarding service connection for psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's reported stressors and the need for a VA examination to determine if he meets the criteria for service connection for PTSD or other specified trauma- and stressor-related disorder.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the permanency of a 100 percent disability rating for service-connected PTSD, resulting in the dismissal of this issue.

The Board has decided that service connection for tinnitus is granted. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depression, and anxiety) are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to his failure to appear for a VA examination. The Veteran is advised that if he fails to cooperate with necessary development, the Board will proceed based solely on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's PTSD with TBI and alcohol use disorder has been granted a rating of 70 percent, effective February 11, 2014.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for entitlement to Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) before the Board made a decision.