PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) claim is denied as he has the residual capacity to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board granted an effective date of June 28, 2010 for the award of a total disability individual unemployability (TDIU) based on the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and associated migraine headaches.

The Board denied dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) based on service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death due to a lack of evidence linking his suicide to military service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for migraines was denied, and the issue of an increased disability rating for PTSD and TBI residuals is remanded.

The Board has determined that new evidence submitted by the Veteran warrants readjudication of her claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD. The case is now remanded for further examination and opinion regarding whether she meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and if any other acquired psychiatric disorders are related to her military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for further evaluation and consideration of his PTSD symptoms, including social and occupational impairment. The current 70 percent rating for PTSD remains unchanged.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's claims will be further evaluated with updated medical records and a comprehensive opinion from a VA psychiatrist or psychologist.

The Veteran's radiculopathy in the right and left lower extremities are granted a rating of 40 percent, which is not higher.,The Veteran's headaches are denied as they do not meet the criteria for a higher than 30 percent rating.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's dysthymic disorder with PTSD should be evaluated at a higher rating and her TDIU claim is inextricably intertwined, so both need to be remanded for further development.

The Board has dismissed the appeals as the appellant died before a decision could be made.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and erectile dysfunction resulted in TDIU from June 24, 2010 to July 18, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and insomnia has been reopened, but the Board is remanding the case to obtain a VA examination to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is related to active service. The case is also being remanded for a VA examination to determine the current severity of his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD is denied as the earliest possible effective date is May 20, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder was granted. The appeal for an earlier effective date for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed, while other claims are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the DSM-5 criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied in January 2008, and the effective date of service connection is denied as it does not meet the criteria set by VA regulations.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 50 percent disabling for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder and neurocognitive disorder was denied.,The Veteran's claim for earlier effective date prior to December 29, 2014 for the grant of service connection for tinnitus was denied.,The Veteran's claim for earlier effective date prior to December 29, 2014 for an increased rating of 50 percent disabling for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder and neurocognitive disorder was remanded.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. However, it denied these claims as there was no evidence of a current disability or in-service occurrence that would support service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for reentrance into the VA vocational rehabilitation and employment program, finding that his service-connected disabilities have not worsened to the extent that he is precluded from performing work duties or that the occupation previously found rehabilitated is unsuitable.

The Veteran's PTSD disability is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has ordered a remand to determine if he should be evaluated for an increased rating.