PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasoning in the February 2021 decision regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, insomnia, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. The matter is now with the VA clinician to provide a medical opinion addressing causality.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to the need for new VA examinations and consideration of the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with major depression and anxious distress has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision.

The Veteran's TBI is rated at a 10 percent disability rating, which does not meet the criteria for an increased rating. The PTSD issue has been referred to the AOJ.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, borderline personality disorder, adjustment disorder, antisocial personality disorder, major depressive disorder, and alcohol abuse and polysubstance abuse disorder is denied. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted. The initial compensable disability rating for superficial peroneal nerve disorder resulting from intervertebral disc syndrome is denied. The claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, thus the Board has granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened, but the Board has determined that there is insufficient evidence to establish a link between his current psychiatric disorder and an in-service stressor. The case is remanded for further development including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has dismissed the appeals of service connection for tinnitus, sleep apnea, esophageal disability, and PTSD due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to issues with the VA's duty to assist and a need for further development, including an examination of the Veteran's PTSD symptoms. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the PTSD rating issue.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, a right hand disability, and an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for a right hand disability due to new evidence added to the record.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to a lack of recent VA examination addressing the combined effects of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his employability. The employer is requested to complete a form for employment information, and a VA examination will be scheduled to assess the impact of all disabilities.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, effective from May 3, 2022. The evidence is in approximate balance as to whether the Veteran's PTSD more nearly approximated symptoms of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including traumatic brain injury residuals, lumbosacral spine intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative joint disease, PTSD, and other conditions, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has also determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, due to a lack of a nexus opinion. The Veteran was scheduled for a VA examination but did not attend. Another attempt at clarification is needed regarding whether the Veteran wishes to withdraw his claim.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for head injury residuals, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), and adjustment or personality disorder due to new and material evidence. The claims are now remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, personality disorder with avoidant features, and adjustment disorder. The decision finds that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his military service due to the Veteran's lay testimony of in-service stressors.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is granted. The right knee chondromalacia is rated at 10 percent prior to May 12, 2017, and at 20 percent from that date onwards. The atopic dermatitis requires a 10 percent rating. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD and TBI is rated at the maximum schedular rating available, and a higher rating for this condition is denied. The low back condition was previously rated at 20 percent prior to November 22, 2016, and now rated at 40 percent from that date forward.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with pseudoseizures, obstructive sleep apnea, and right ankle disability.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 100% rating from November 10, 2021 to September 14, 2022.