PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD and radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities have been rated, with some issues granted and others denied. The rating for PTSD was increased to 50 percent in October 2008 and then to 70 percent effective from that date onwards.

The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the submission of additional evidence and the need for a VA examination.

Service connection for PTSD is granted.,An initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus, type II is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for PTSD was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals for both a rating in excess of 20 percent for painful shrapnel wound scars and an initial compensable rating for linear scars. The Board also denied the Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for PTSD prior to December 3, 2013.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder due to the need for new medical opinions and examination.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional VA treatment records and to schedule a psychiatric examination for an updated rating determination.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an addendum medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus contributed to his cause of death.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, lumbar spine disability, obstructive sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and colon disorder is granted. The claims are subject to the laws and regulations governing monetary awards.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU due to PTSD. The Veteran will need further examinations to determine his current level of functioning and its impact on his ability to work.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to September 11, 2012. From September 11, 2012, to February 25, 2015, the rating was increased to 70 percent. The decision also granted a TDIU prior to September 23, 2014.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an effective date earlier than December 3, 2010 for service-connected asbestosis and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD and depression, hypertension, inguinal hernia, and headaches due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The claims are now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's petition to reopen a claim for service connection for schizophrenia is granted. The Board has also remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claims of PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was reopened, and service connection for PTSD is granted. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right shoulder rotator cuff tear is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal was granted for entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU), and the other issues were denied or not addressed.

The Veteran's claim for additional compensation for his dependent spouse was denied as he did not provide sufficient information to establish her dependency status within one year of the notification letter, and thus the earliest effective date is January 1, 2015.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disabilities, specifically Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder with Insomnia and Personality Disorder.

The Veteran's right 5th metacarpal fracture is being remanded for further evaluation due to insufficient medical opinion regarding its relation to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30% prior to September 1, 2015 and upgraded to 70% thereafter. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet criteria for a higher rating.