PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for PTSD has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating than the current 30 percent for the period prior to June 8, 2017 and in excess of 50 percent for the period from June 8, 2017 through the present.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral eye condition and for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a finding that the Veteran's current bilateral eye condition or PTSD were related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development of records, specifically missing VA treatment records from April 2017 to present. The claims for service connection and increased rating will be reconsidered with these records.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial rating of 70 percent. The cases for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the appellant was 'insane' at the time of his discharge from service, which could affect his eligibility for VA benefits.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, MDD, and GAD, is reopened. Service connection is granted for this condition as secondary to his service-connected pseudo-seizures. The lower back condition issue remains pending due to the need for a VA examiner's opinion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, finding that there was no credible evidence to support the occurrence of a stressor related to military sexual trauma. The preponderance of the evidence did not verify any claimed in-service stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted effective August 14, 2017. A 100% disability rating for PTSD is granted from August 14, 2017 to November 4, 2018.,The appeal seeking a TDIU rating is dismissed as moot due to the Veteran's receipt of a 100% schedular rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD, anxiety disorder (claimed as a conversion disorder), and chronic depression are all found to be related to his service-connected PTSD. Service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is also granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further examination and review of evidence regarding the Veteran's competency to handle VA funds.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has denied both his request for an increased rating and TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol and cannabis abuse is rated at different levels depending on the time period considered. The initial rating prior to August 9, 2011 was denied, a higher rating from August 9, 2011 to March 18, 2019 was also denied, and a higher rating since March 18, 2019 is still pending.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and other psychiatric disorders, finding that new evidence supports reopening of his previously denied claim. The Board also found that there is a reasonable possibility that the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to his active service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment since March 4, 2009. The Board granted a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis for this period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PTSD and related issues due to insufficient evidence or further clarification. The initial rating for PTSD remains at 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a lack of consideration of VA treatment records and their respective diagnoses in the April 2018 VA examination. The Veteran is required to undergo another psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD was denied by the Board. The current rating of 50 percent is based on occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

Compensation for prostate cancer is denied due to lack of causation. Service connection for PTSD is granted based on verified in-service stressors. Rating higher than 30 percent for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has remanded for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 20 percent since October 3, 2015.