PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's PTSD and TBI residuals are being remanded for further evaluation, as the current ratings do not reflect the full extent of his disabilities. The issues of increased ratings for migraine headaches and entitlement to TDIU are also being remanded due to their inextricably intertwined nature with the other issues.

The Board has granted service connection for persistent depressive disorder. The remaining issues of service connection for a kidney condition, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, lung condition, PTSD, and higher initial ratings for diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity are remanded.

The Veteran seeks a TDIU prior to October 17, 2012. The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development regarding the Veteran's PTSD treatment records from the Shreveport Veterans Center.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to June 24, 2013 did not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent. From June 24, 2013 to July 7, 2016, the Veteran's symptoms were considered reduced reliability and productivity due to PTSD.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with MDD. The effective date for the grant of service connection for MDD is set at May 16, 2016.

The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD was increased to 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision. Service connection for COPD remains pending and is remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and PTSD are granted. For the rating period from February 23, 2012 forward, a 70 percent rating for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is rated at 30 percent, and the Board found that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for PTSD due to a lack of current diagnosis and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence, particularly from Vet Center records related to the Veteran's PTSD treatment.

The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU is dismissed as moot because he is already receiving a combined 100 percent schedular rating for his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the issues of service connection for a psychiatric disability, sleep apnea, left upper extremity neuropathy, and rating in excess of 10 percent for a heart disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and for a TDIU due to the need for additional VA medical examinations and consideration.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD. The evidence now submitted raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating that these conditions are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and earlier effective dates for PTSD and migraine headaches is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence consideration.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but no greater. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent disabling prior to December 16, 2013 and 70 percent thereafter. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any period.

The Board has decided to remand the DIC and service connection for cause of death claims due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's PTSD, addictive disorder, and polysubstance abuse. The case will be returned for further examination and opinion.

The Board has denied service connection for PTSD and remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, other than PTSD. The Veteran's claim for PTSD was previously denied due to lack of a current diagnosis.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD due to personal assault, alcohol and drug use disorder, and MDD. The decision finds that the Veteran's current diagnoses are at least as likely as not related to his in-service stressor.