PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's service connection for PTSD and related psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including evaluating the nature of the Veteran's psychiatric disability under DSM-V criteria and determining whether it is at least as likely as not related to an in-service stressor. The heart disease claim is also remanded due to its interdependence with the chest pain claim.

The Veteran's claims for tinnitus and left foot hallux valgus status post McBride bunionectomy with osteoarthritis were denied as his conditions did not manifest until after the effective date of May 1, 2018.,The claim for service connection for a bilateral eye disability was reopened due to new evidence provided since the last denial in October 2013.

The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD is granted at a 70 percent, but the Board has remanded to determine if he should be rated higher or if TDIU is warranted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial rating of 70 percent, subject to controlling regulations governing the payment of monetary awards. The criteria for a 70 percent rating have been met due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has decided to remand for further evaluation due to increased symptoms since his last VA examination. The issue of TDIU is also inextricably intertwined with the PTSD rating claim.

The Veteran's appeal for tension headaches was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the decision.,Service connection is granted for obstructive sleep apnea, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically schizophrenia, is service-connected as it likely began during his military service and was related to his active duty.

The Board has found that the Veteran's appeal of the effective date for PTSD with depressive disorder is timely and has ordered a Statement of the Case (SOC) to address this issue.

The Board has remanded six issues: service connection for PTSD and substance abuse, service connection for Hepatitis C, service connection for a right-hand disorder, increased rating for right shoulder disorders. The AOJ must issue an SSOC addressing the issues of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and substance abuse.

The Veteran's PTSD claim was denied, but his Hepatitis C claim is remanded for further review.,PTSD service connection remains undecided as the VA examiner found no evidence of a diagnosis during active service.

The Board has remanded several issues, including the claim for service connection for residuals of a head injury and psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (including depression), as well as the issue of an initial rating higher than 10 percent for right knee strain. The TDIU issue is also remanded due to its interdependence with these claims.

PTSD was granted with a rating of 50% prior to May 15, 2018.,PN LLE received an initial rating of 20% from July 31, 2014 to May 15, 2018 and is denied for higher ratings thereafter. PN RLE was granted a 20% rating prior to September 4, 2012 and increased to 40% after that date.

The Board has withdrawn the appeals for left knee strain, right knee strain, and degenerative joint disease with herniated nucleus pulposus and radiculopathy of the lower extremities. The TDIU appeal is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and entitlement to a total disability rating for individual unemployability due to new evidence received since the last adjudication.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development related to his claims of service connection for chronic kidney disease and multiple myeloma.,For the time period prior to August 16, 2016, the Veteran's PTSD was granted a 70% evaluation.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for PTSD, hypertension, and diabetes due to conflicting evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service exposure. The claims are not granted as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD or verified stressors.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, alcohol use disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The TDIU claim is also being deferred until further development on the service connection issue.

The Veteran's death was caused by PTSD, which the Board found to be related to an in-service assault. The appeal is granted as service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is established.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of MDD has been denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Service connection for PTSD was denied due to lack of evidence supporting the claimed in-service stressor.