PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for major depressive disorder was denied as no new and material evidence had been submitted. The claim for PTSD was reopened, but service connection was not granted due to lack of credible supporting evidence of the claimed in-service stressor.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, finding that there was no evidence of a diagnosed mental condition during service or at any time during the appellate period.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination of the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and he was granted a TDIU from September 18, 2008 to October 27, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral foot condition, right ankle condition, and left ankle condition have been reopened. The claim for back disability has not been reopened.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD and depressive disorder. The Veteran's current back condition is denied as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a back disability was denied as there is no probative medical evidence that indicates the Veteran’s current lumbar spine disability was incurred in service. The Veteran's PTSD claim for an increased rating to over 50% since June 4, 2013, was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient compliance with previous directives and for additional development, including obtaining updated VA records and providing an addendum opinion on whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition is related to service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The new evidence received since the previous denial supports the reopening of the claim and establishes that the Veteran's current condition is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, but the case is remanded to obtain additional evidence and conduct a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent and denied an increased rating. The claims for service connection of the left breast cancer, hyperparathyroidism, and diabetes mellitus type II (DM) are remanded due to lack of a VA examination addressing these conditions' etiology.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathies are secondary to her DM and also require further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder, both related to an in-service sexual assault, are granted. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder is remanded due to incomplete development.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings of PTSD, nonservice-connected pension benefits, and special monthly pension was dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeals prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a gastrointestinal doctor's opinion regarding whether the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder and PTSD caused or contributed to his death.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds a remand necessary due to an increase in symptoms reported by the Veteran and his wife.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for erectile dysfunction, which is secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety disorder and PTSD, was granted an initial 50 percent rating prior to February 5, 2019. The evidence showed significant symptoms of anxiety associated with memories of Vietnam, but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that they preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The claim for service connection for PTSD is reopened, and the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and PTSD) is remanded.