PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings, service connection, and TDIU due to new evidence not having been considered by the AOJ.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral ankle, knee, and low back disabilities as well as headaches secondary to PTSD due to inadequate medical opinions in the previous VA examinations.,Further development is needed to determine if the Veteran currently has a bilateral ankle disability, whether it began during service, and its relationship to his active duty.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial higher rating for hearing loss has been withdrawn and dismissed. The Board also denied the claim for a TDIU as there is no evidence that his service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or maintaining gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraines, including as secondary to his PTSD, was denied. His claim for TDIU was granted due to the severity of his PTSD and related conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected back disability. The Veteran requires assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, and preparing meals.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have caused total social and occupational impairment throughout the period on appeal, leading to a grant of a 100 percent rating for PTSD prior to September 22, 2020. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities has been rendered moot by the grant of a 100 percent schedular evaluation for PTSD.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, as well as his acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims are being remanded for additional examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for a temporary total disability rating for his back disability has been withdrawn, and the issue is dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 100% since the initial rating period, reflecting total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has found that remand is necessary for several reasons, including the need to obtain VA treatment records and conduct new examinations due to a material worsening of symptoms since the last VA examinations. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with the PTSD and headaches disability claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, lumbar disc herniation, and left knee patellofemoral syndrome, do not render him unemployable prior to February 5, 2016.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is rated at 70% effective December 13, 2016. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss remains noncompensable prior to August 8, 2020 and in excess of 10 percent thereafter. Service connection for a right knee disability was remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity during service and the Board has granted service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed for the issue of a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee arthroscopy. The claim for PTSD was reopened, but service connection remains remanded due to insufficient evidence. Service connection for low back and right ankle conditions is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and a depressive disorder, which is claimed as secondary to his service-connected TBI. The case will be reviewed again with additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disorders are related to his service, including his service-connected asthma.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and Depression, finding that his current psychiatric conditions are at least as likely as not related to his active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and remanded the issue of service connection for Headaches.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, alcohol use disorder, stimulant use disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, do not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including an increased rating for PTSD and service connection for hypertension.