PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, should be remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for a new examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral knee disability, residual of spider bite on the right hand, skin condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder due to the Veteran's failure to report for VA examinations scheduled in accordance with the Board’s previous remand directives.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an initial evaluation of 30 percent prior to July 27, 2015. From July 27, 2015 to September 16, 2018, the rating for PTSD was increased to 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding a verified stressor for PTSD and further medical guidance is needed to determine if the Veteran suffers from any other acquired psychiatric disabilities related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and further development of the Veteran's reported in-service stressors. The claim will be adjudicated based on all reasonably related acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating of 70 percent for PTSD before April 11, 2013 is granted. For the period on and after April 11, 2013, a higher rating than 50 percent for PTSD is denied. The claims for service connection for stomach problems secondary to PTSD and hypertension are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD has not been manifested by total occupational and social impairment for the periods in question, resulting in a denial of increased disability ratings.

The Veteran's PTSD claim is remanded due to confusion in the medical records regarding the cause of his symptoms. The TDIU claim is also remanded as there are conflicting reasons for why he cannot work.

The appeal of the issue of entitlement to service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is dismissed. The appeals for increased disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent for left-wrist disorder, service connection for left-hand numbness (to include carpal tunnel syndrome), service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, service connection for kidney disorder, to include as secondary to medications prescribed for hypertension and/or an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, to include as secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD are all remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of recent VA treatment records and the need for an updated VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's myofascial pain syndrome.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and remanded it for further development. The claims for increased ratings for generalized anxiety disorder and cervical strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine are also remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision. The appeal for service connection for a back disability and sleep disorder as well as an increased rating for right inguinal hernia have all been withdrawn.

The Board has remanded the case for further action on issues including a reduction of disability rating and psychiatric disorder claims. The Veteran's neck condition was reduced from 20% to 10%, but no effective date is specified. Psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, unspecified depressive disorder, and other specified trauma and stressor related disorder are also remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is related to an in-service sexual assault and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and low back condition rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation for the period on appeal from May 9, 2011 to June 10, 2011. The Board granted entitlement to TDIU for this period.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of VA treatment records and a need for an updated statement of reasons or bases. The Veteran is entitled to a higher rating for his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, but additional evidence is needed before a decision can be made.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and his TDIU claim were both denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating due to his PTSD, as he did not demonstrate total occupational and social impairment. His service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD disability picture is characterized by occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, warranting a 30 percent rating. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Board has decided that a new VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran has PTSD and whether it is related to service. The claims file will be reviewed, and an updated VA examination will be scheduled.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to issues with scheduling a VA examination for PTSD. The Veteran's claim will be returned for further development.