PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

Service connection for a left foot disorder, diagnosed as flat foot and tarsal coalition, is granted. The appeal for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and major depression is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for PTSD, MDD, and cocaine use disorder is denied as the earliest date of entitlement arose was September 25, 2020.

An increased rating of 70 percent for the service-connected PTSD from February 9, 2015 to May 8, 2021 is granted.,An increased rating in excess of 70 percent for the service-connected PTSD from May 8, 2021 is denied.

The Board has determined that readjudication of the claims for service connection for schizophrenia and an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD) is warranted. However, before addressing the merits of the claims, a remand is necessary to correct an error in the duty to assist that occurred prior to the issuance of the June 2019 SOC. Specifically, another VA examination and medical opinion must be obtained to clarify the nature and etiology of the claimed psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's appeal of the reduction in his disability rating for PTSD from 70% to 50% is dismissed because he and his representative withdrew the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected, with the benefit of doubt given to his claim.,Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are both found to be related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed as the benefit was already granted in a previous decision.,The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for asthma and bilateral hearing loss prior to November 19, 2018 have both been denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to obtain an adequate opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including mood disorder and PTSD. The claim will be reviewed again with new medical evidence.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected. High cholesterol and psychiatric disorders are denied. The remaining claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD rating was increased from 30% to 70%, effective November 19, 2020. The appellant is not eligible for attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in the April 2021 rating decision because it was a new claim and not a supplemental claim or appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for PTSD was granted, with a 70 percent rating effective since March 23, 2019. The decision also noted that the Veteran is unable to work due to his service-connected disabilities and related medical conditions.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied, but the Board granted service connection for Nightmare Disorder with Insomnia. The decision is based on new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to refer the Veteran's claim for extraschedular TDIU consideration prior to December 29, 2014. The matter is now being referred back to the Director of Compensation Service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the increased rating for PTSD, leading to its dismissal.

The Veteran does not have a single service-connected disability rated as 70 percent or more, nor do multiple disabilities combine to be rated as 70 percent or more. Therefore, he is denied eligibility for benefits under the PCAFC.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of medical opinion addressing whether the Veteran's alcohol abuse and hypertension contributed to his death. The appellant contends that these conditions are related to service, but the VA examiner did not address this.

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in duty to assist and insufficient development of evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The Veteran is also required to undergo a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of his diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened and granted effective March 24, 2017. The claims for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity and left upper extremity were also granted effective March 24, 2017.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease and posttraumatic stress disorder rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to January 21, 2020. As such, the Board granted TDIU for this period.