PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with panic disorder and major depressive disorder was granted effective March 18, 2013. This decision is based on new evidence submitted by the Veteran in March 2013.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted due to her symptoms not meeting the criteria for a 100 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's allegations of military sexual trauma during service are credible and have found sufficient evidence to diagnose her with PTSD and MDD, finding them likely due to her in-service experiences. As a result, the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms include depressed mood, anxiety, and chronic sleep impairment. The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA records.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to May 22, 2019 was rated at 50 percent. Beginning May 22, 2019, the Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since May 21, 2017. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and temporary total evaluation due to insufficient evidence regarding his acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. The case is being returned for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a TBI and PTSD is granted. The claims for neck disability, right foot disability, right shoulder disability, left foot disability, and separate rating for depression are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD and right shoulder disability were granted service connection effective May 13, 2011. However, the effective date for PTSD was denied as it was not earlier than May 13, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or housebound status is remanded due to uncertainty in the cause or causes of his need for aid and assistance.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected PTSD with alcohol and opioid use disorders is being remanded due to pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors, including the need for an examination of the severity of his PTSD given his incarceration.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, type II, a right shoulder disorder, a chronic kidney disorder, and a back disorder. The evidence did not support a finding of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for a 70% rating for his psychiatric disability is dismissed as the Board's October 2018 decision has already decided the matter of staged ratings.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a right knee disability and an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD. The Veteran's claim for a right knee disability is being remanded due to new evidence submitted since the last denial in October 2011. The claim for PTSD remains pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for thoracic degenerative disc disease with old wedge compression fractures and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. Additional records are needed from Camp Pendleton, and verification of combat participation is required.

The Veteran's claim for various equipment purchases and home modifications under the independent living plan through VA’s VR&E program is remanded due to incomplete documentation, lack of a Vocational Rehabilitation evaluation, and unavailability of certain records. The AOJ must ensure all relevant documents are obtained and associate them with the claims file.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and ratings for right hip and knee disabilities due to inadequate prior examinations.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, characterized as PTSD, is granted a rating of 50 percent. The Veteran's tinnitus and TDIU claims are denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to an error in determining whether there was a need for a medical examination. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, are now subject to further review.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date of March 16, 2016 for service connection due to PTSD with anxiety, alcohol use disorder in remission and cocaine abuse in sustained remission. The decision found that the earliest possible effective date was March 16, 2016, which is later than when entitlement arose.