PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of PTSD was denied, but the case is remanded due to new evidence and symptom progression. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for cause of death due to PTSD and/or a heart condition, finding that neither contributed substantially or materially to his death from a motorcycle accident. The July 2019 VA examiner concluded it was less likely than not that the Veteran’s PTSD caused or contributed to his death, nor did he have a heart condition related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70% for the period from April 1, 2011 to April 19, 2018. For the period beginning April 19, 2018, a higher rating of over 70% is denied. The TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for an additional examination and consideration of the increased DM II rating.

The Veteran's PTSD and Opiod Dependence rating was reduced from 100% to 50%, but the reduction was improper. The 100% rating is restored effective January 1, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding the Veteran’s claim and therefore, service connection for PTSD is warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED for additional development related to reopening service connection claims. The initial rating for PTSD remains denied.

The Veteran's right ankle scar is rated at 0 percent, and a higher rating is denied.,PTSD remains rated at 70 percent, with no higher rating granted.,Prior to October 16, 2018, the lumbar spine disability was rated at 20 percent; as of that date, it is rated at 40 percent.,The Veteran's hypertension and erectile dysfunction are not rated higher than 20 percent.,A higher rating for a left eye disability is denied.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, right eye disability, chest disability, and headache disability remains remanded.,Service connection for cervical spine disability, right ankle disability, right knee disability from March 1, 2014 to September 15, 2015, left knee disability, and a temporary 100 percent rating based on surgical treatment for the right knee requiring convalescence are all remanded.,Effective dates prior to specific dates for service connection grants or increased ratings are also remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a thoracolumbar spine disability has been withdrawn. Service connection for PTSD and anxiety disorder due to military sexual trauma is granted, but the rating for right knee iliotibial band disorder, right hip limitation of extension associated with right hip strain, limitation of right hip flexion, and right hip limitation of abduction, adduction, and external rotation remains remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development and readjudication.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for PTSD and TDIU due to PTSD are remanded as the VA examination did not address depression, which may be a distinguishable condition from PTSD. Additional evidence is also needed.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and PTSD, but granted service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 100% disabling since February 15, 2005. His claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) is mooted because he only has one service-connected condition, PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is remanded due to the need for an updated medical examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's PTSD diagnosis and its relationship to service. The Veteran needs to provide updated medical records, and a new VA examination is required to determine if he meets the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis and whether it was caused by in-service stressors.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD due to the lack of verified in-service stressors, despite a diagnosis. The other diabetes-related issues were also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent and the Board has remanded both his claim for a higher rating and his TDIU claim due to insufficient evidence of current symptomatology.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with jurisdiction and additional development is needed, including verifying the Veteran's duty status during a specific incident involving MOPP gear.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating prior to February 4, 2018. The appeal for TDIU due to service-connected PTSD is also granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for thyroid disorder, PTSD, erectile dysfunction, and bilateral hearing loss due to lack of new and material evidence. The decision also denies service connection for these conditions on a treatment purposes only basis.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD have been granted service connection, but the Board has ordered further development to determine if a higher rating is warranted.