PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient verification of the Veteran's reported stressors for PTSD. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to determine if he has PTSD and whether his reported stressors support this diagnosis, as well as any other acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected lumbar spine, cervical spine, left shoulder strain, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for the period July 1, 2013 to October 14, 2013, and December 1, 2013 to June 5, 2014.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since May 17, 2004. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU due to PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to May 22, 2012 resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.,After May 22, 2012, the Veteran's PTSD symptoms were severe enough to result in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas (such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood).,The Veteran was denied a total disability rating due to individual unemployability because he failed to provide requested information for his claim.

The Board has remanded the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and/or depression as secondary to a service-connected skin disability (squamous cell carcinoma with residuals). The remand is due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for PTSD and a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The claims are being remanded because of insufficient medical evidence regarding the severity of the Veteran's PTSD throughout the appeal period.

Your appeal to increase your initial disability rating for PTSD has been dismissed because the issue was resolved in a previous decision.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various conditions, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and several knee disabilities. The Veteran's VA treatment records from Little Rock VAMC are to be obtained, as well as any recent VA treatment records. A new VA examination is needed to determine if any current lumbar spine disability is related to active service.

The Veteran withdrew his claim for a rating greater than 70 percent for major depressive disorder with posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Board denied earlier effective dates and increased rating for the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including diabetic nephropathy, PTSD, coronary artery disease, diabetes, and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy. The claim was not granted as there was no evidence of an intent to file a claim prior to March 14, 2016.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD have been denied. The claim for service connection for a heart condition has not met the criteria. The Veteran's PTSD was increased to 50% effective September 29, 2010. The claim for sleep apnea is reopened.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for PTSD has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to August 30, 2011, for the award of service connection for PTSD is denied. The Board finds that the earliest possible effective date for his PTSD as the date the Veteran’s claim was received on August 30, 2011.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete development and need for additional evidence. The Veteran's reported stressor of a rocket attack on an air traffic control tower in Da Nang is under review, as are his diagnoses of PTSD, depressive disorder, congestive heart failure, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and type II diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, irritability, anger episodes, and restlessness is granted a 50% disability rating prior to August 12, 2015. The claim for higher ratings remains in appellate status.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly evaluate the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and remands several issues for further action.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of his back disability was dismissed due to the absence of a controversy. His claim for an increased rating of his PTSD was denied.

The Board dismissed the appeals due to the Veteran's death, and no jurisdiction remains for the merits of these claims.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of PTSD is dismissed. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a low back disability and a left leg disability.