PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's Migraine Headaches are rated at 50 percent from January 22, 2020 and granted. The compensable rating for Traumatic Brain Injury prior to January 22, 2020 is denied. The issue of TDIU has been raised.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD are rated at 70 percent prior to April 29, 2021. Ratings for lumbosacral IVDS with radiculopathy have been granted but the Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the Veteran developed any new psychiatric disability during service and whether it was caused or aggravated by his military service, as well as to determine if there is a clear and unmistakable aggravation of pre-existing mental health disorder prior to service.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluations of her PTSD prior to April 14, 2016 and on or after that date was denied. Her claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for PTSD is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is proximately due or aggravated by his service-connected nasal condition. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back condition, an acquired psychiatric disorder including depression and PTSD, and tinnitus due to new evidence showing an in-service injury. The claim is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to December 29, 2016 has been dismissed as the Board's previous decision is final.

The Veteran has withdrawn his claims for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, dermatophytosis (brittle nails), and a skin disorder (chloracne). The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and major depressive disorder) and stroke residuals. TDIU is inextricably intertwined with these claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD and his TDIU claim due to potential overlap between the issues. The VA will obtain an addendum opinion from a clinician to address which psychiatric symptoms are attributable to service-connected PTSD versus non-service connected meningioma and frontal lobe encephalomalacia.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for kidney disease and PTSD due to potential service connection based on exposure to Agent Orange. The Veteran will need to undergo VA examinations to determine if his conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder as due to a stroke are found to meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives and for obtaining updated medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, and the claim for a TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD rating and TDIU claim are being remanded due to the need for additional examination and updated VA treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, but the Veteran's bladder disability and right foot disability remain pending. The case is remanded to provide a VA examination for these issues.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol substance use disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent. The Veteran was granted a temporary total evaluation for hospital treatment in excess of 21 days due to his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral upper extremity neuropathy, bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and major depressive disorder), obstructive sleep apnea, a lumbar spine disorder, right lower extremity neuropathy, left lower extremity neuropathy, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder are all being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.,The Veteran has not been diagnosed with bilateral upper extremity neuropathy or any other condition related to his service. His claims for hearing loss, psychiatric disorders, sleep apnea, TBI, lumbar spine disorder, lower extremity conditions, and knee disorders are being remanded as well.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU, and there is no evidence showing he is unemployable solely due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding service connection for right knee, neck, and acquired psychiatric disabilities (to include PTSD). The Board dismissed the appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a disability rating of 70 percent for the entire appeal period, effective February 10, 2014. The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine condition remains at a 50 percent rating.