PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims and a VA examination to determine the nature and severity of the Veteran's disabilities.

The Board has remanded several issues, including the increased ratings for Parkinson's disease and TDIU. The effective date of service connection for Parkinson’s disease is also under review.

The Veteran's low back disability and PTSD were granted increased ratings, but no more than the current assigned percentages. The TDIU claim was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal is not fully resolved and requires additional development, including obtaining verification of in-service stressors and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and clarification of certain symptoms.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected right above the knee amputation, including reopening claims for various conditions and obtaining medical records from correctional facilities. The Veteran is also required to undergo a VA examination to assess his current disability status.

The Board found that the award of service connection for PTSD was not improper and did not involve CUE, thus restoring the award. The issues of entitlement to an increased rating for PTSD and entitlement to a TDIU are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are not supported by the evidence of record and have been denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased PTSD rating and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Board has restored the service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, and found that it was a principal cause of death. The Veteran's claim for service connection for his cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder were not found to meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent, as her symptoms did not result in total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective May 31, 2011. The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is unrelated to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD throughout the appeal period and has also granted TDIU due to service-connected PTSD. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in marked impairment, including difficulty understanding complex instructions and interacting with coworkers and supervisors.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent disabling since October 13, 2017. The rating is based on the severity of his symptoms and impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to his military service. The appeal is now in remand status and any outstanding treatment records must be obtained.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent since June 29, 2015. The rating for his posttraumatic stress disorder with adjustment disorder and depressed mood has been increased to 30 percent effective February 6, 2013. His anal fistula cyst remains non-compensable. His digestive disorder is rated at zero percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and his TDIU claim is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected major depression and PTSD are being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his psychiatric disabilities, as well as for additional VA treatment records. The TDIU issue is also inextricably intertwined with the rating issue.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has denied a higher rating. The Veteran was also granted TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.