PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

An initial disability rating of 50 percent for PTSD from February 15, 2012 to July 16, 2018 was granted.,A disability rating in excess of 70 percent since July 17, 2018 for PTSD was denied.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of February 25, 1972 for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's claim was reopened due to new and material evidence received within one year of his separation from active duty. The issue of a higher initial disability rating for PTSD prior to April 21, 2014 is being remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service connected, with the Board finding that his symptoms are at least as likely as not related to a witnessed hit-and-run accident in Okinawa.

The Veteran's PTSD disability may have worsened since his last VA examination, and he is being asked to undergo a new evaluation to determine the current nature and severity of this service-connected condition.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD should be remanded due to an inadequate VA examination. The examiner needs to provide a new opinion regarding whether PTSD is related to active service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD with associated depression and anxiety, is granted due to the evidence showing a link between her in-service stressor and current symptoms.

The Board has granted a higher initial rating of 70 percent for the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, finding that his symptoms and occupational/social impairment most closely approximate this level of disability.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since September 2, 2018. He also received SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ and TDIU due to service-connected disability.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected. The right ankle and back conditions are remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and the need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of all psychiatric disorders, including PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to his reported military stressors. Service connection was denied for diabetes mellitus type II due to a stay by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating effective October 6, 2010. The VA Board has granted this higher rating based on the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his occupational and social functioning.

The Veteran's PTSD was denied for ratings in excess of 30 percent prior to February 17, 2018 and 50 percent thereafter. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant higher ratings based on the criteria provided.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and opinion regarding his mental health conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD. The effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is also denied. The case is remanded to obtain a VA examination assessing the impact of the Veteran’s alcohol use disorder on his ability to work.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 30 percent prior to May 9, 2017. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition and a right shoulder condition.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition (including depression and PTSD) and a right shoulder condition are both being remanded due to procedural deficiencies in previous rating decisions.

The Veteran's appeals for TDIU and an increased rating for PTSD have been withdrawn by her representative, resulting in the dismissal of these claims.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim is dismissed as he withdrew the issue from appeal.,Service connection for left and right knee conditions, diagnosed as patellofemoral pain syndrome, is granted due to continuity of symptomatology since service.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive disorder with alcohol dependence, is granted based on credible supporting evidence of in-service stressors and a current diagnosis of PTSD.,Service connection for traumatic brain injury is granted due to a documented in-service skull fracture.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder and substance use disorder is rated at 70 percent from July 31, 2017. The GERD with history of duodenal ulcer and peptic ulcer disease is rated at 60 percent effective as of July 27, 2017.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, finding no current disability to support the claim and insufficient evidence of a causal relationship between any present psychiatric disorder and military service.