PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a disability rating of 100 percent.,The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for lumbar spine degenerative joint disease (arthritis) was also denied, with the current evaluation of 20% continuing due to recent improvement in condition.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU based on service-connected PTSD and lumbar spine disability was granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and TBI disabilities were evaluated as a single disability, resulting in an increased 70 percent rating from August 16, 2016 to March 2, 2018.

The Board has decided to remand the case for several reasons, including obtaining missing service personnel records and employment history from Social Security Administration. Additionally, a new medical opinion is needed regarding the impact of the Veteran's service-connected mental disabilities on his ability to work.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records, specifically SSA disability benefits application records. The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disabilities are being reviewed.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including rating determinations and service connection for various conditions. The case is returned to the AOJ for initial review of new evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, mood disorders, and dissociative identity disorder. The evidence did not support the claimed in-service stressors or events that would establish service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on his symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current psychiatric conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for bilateral congenital pes planus with bilateral metatarsalgia is dismissed. The Board also remanded several issues related to his service-connected hip, knee, and ankle conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder, is related to sexual assault in service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in total social and occupational impairment, leading to a 100% disability rating. The TDIU claim is dismissed as moot due to the grant of a 100% schedular rating for PTSD. Effective January 23, 2021, SMC at the housebound rate was granted.

The Veteran's claim for a dental or oral musculoskeletal disability, for compensation purposes only, has been denied as there is no evidence of a compensable loss of substance of the maxilla or mandible resulting from trauma or disease.,The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD remains pending and requires further development to verify stressors and determine if any diagnosed conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder has been granted a 70% disability rating for the initial rating period prior to January 15, 2016. The appeal regarding bilateral hearing loss and chronic fatigue syndrome is remanded.

PTSD rating increased to 70% prior to July 25, 2017. From July 25, 2017 onwards, PTSD rating remains at 70%. Migraine headache rating denied prior to September 25, 2020.,TDIU appeal dismissed as moot from March 7, 2020.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected as it originated during active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, and depression was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to April 19, 2019, as he was found to be employed full-time and not unemployable.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder and alcohol/cannabis abuse is rated at the highest possible level (100%). The denial of a higher rating for fibromyalgia and the grant of SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance are noted.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed for the claims of PTSD, broken right hand, left knee injury, TBI, and scar on the back of the head. The Veteran will need to provide updated VA treatment records and undergo examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected PTSD, assess whether any diagnosed right-hand disabilities are related to his service-connected PTSD, evaluate the etiology of any left knee conditions, clarify whether the Veteran has a TBI, and determine if there is a scar on the back of his head. The claims will be remanded for these actions.

The Board has remanded the cases of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction, migraine headaches, and sleep apnea due to their association with the Veteran's service-connected PTSD. The case of TDIU remains on appeal.