PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the cases due to inconsistencies in the evidence and need for additional development, including verification of a reported stressor and obtaining VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder require the need for regular aid and attendance of another, resulting in a grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for A&A. The appeal concerning SMC based on housebound status is dismissed as moot because the Veteran now receives SMC at a higher rate.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for PTSD, diabetes mellitus type II, drug addiction service connection, and TDIU as the appellant passed away during the appeal process.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is at least as likely as not related to acoustic trauma from his honorable period of service.,VA has a heightened duty to assist the Veteran in developing his claims since government records may have been lost. Relevant medical and personnel records should be obtained.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of all issues on appeal prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates and disability evaluations are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as the RO failed to provide an Informal Conference.

The Board has denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date of October 7, 2013 for his service connection for PTSD. The decision was based on the fact that the Veteran did not provide sufficient information to locate and retrieve pertinent DOD records corroborating his claimed in-service stressor until after VA received his request to reopen his claim.

The Veteran's PTSD and diabetes mellitus type II have been granted increased ratings, with the peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities receiving separate ratings based on severity. The Veteran is also granted a TDIU.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, depression, or anxiety due to personal trauma. The issue of service connection for endometriosis is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a rating of 70 percent, but no higher, effective from April 11, 1980 to February 17, 2009. The issue of TDIU prior to February 18, 2009 is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence after the previous denial.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned an effective date of November 18, 2011. The Veteran's claim was received on this date, which is prior to the diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder and migraine headaches do not meet the criteria for service connection due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active service.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression, PTSD, and alcohol dependence, are currently diagnosed but the Board is unable to determine their etiology without an additional VA examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, and anxiety disorder are all granted service connection. The conditions were found to be related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's claim for attorney fees has been dismissed as the former attorney waived his right to fees based on past due benefits granted in November 2018 and February 2019 decisions.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD with major depressive disorder, finding that September 30, 2009 is the earliest assignable effective date as it corresponds to the date of receipt of the claim upon which benefits were ultimately awarded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for involuntary back muscle spasms, kidney disability (including kidney disease), memory loss, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) due to service at Camp Lejeune. The July 2013 VA medical opinion is inadequate as it did not consider the Veteran's prior medical history and examinations or address his full contentions regarding the relationship of his disabilities to contaminants in the water supply during service.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms do not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent, as they are less severe and frequent than those required for a 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied, with the Board finding that his symptoms did not warrant a higher than 50 percent or 70 percent disability rating prior to and after July 9, 2019, respectively.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU was granted as he met the schedular requirements and demonstrated that his service-connected disabilities precluded him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.