PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board has granted service connection for unspecified neurocognitive disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD with mood disorder, finding that there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence.

The Board has granted the applications to reopen the claims of service connection for left foot condition and posttraumatic stress disorder. The issues are remanded due to incomplete records, including those from SSA and Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating of PTSD was denied. The Board found that the severity, frequency, and duration of her PTSD symptoms did not more closely approximate total occupational and social impairment.,The Veteran’s claim for a compensable rating for residuals of an extracted tooth, number 19, secondary to residuals of a left jaw injury is remanded due to lack of relevant VA dental treatment records.

The Board has decided that both issues need further development and remand, including for new examinations and medical opinions.

The Board denied an effective date prior to January 26, 2017 for the grant of a 60 percent rating for coronary artery disease (CAD). The Veteran's claim was re-adjudicated in a final April 2014 decision that considered new and material evidence submitted during the appeal period. There was no factually ascertainable date of increase of CAD to warrant a 60 percent rating within one year prior to January 26, 2017.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of increased ratings for PTSD with depressive symptoms and alcohol use disorder, as well as chronic adductor strain of the left thigh with fracture of left pubic ramors. The Veteran will need to undergo updated VA examinations to assess the current severity of her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination. The Veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral hearing loss are all being reviewed due to new evidence received since their previous decisions.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because the appellant requested to withdraw his appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current symptoms of PTSD and alcohol use disorder are related to his service, specifically his exposure to traumatic events during combat in Iraq. As a result, the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and mood disorder, as well as residuals of a superficial flesh wound to the left hand. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The Board also granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss but remanded the issue of increased rating for service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective March 6, 2007. The symptoms of depression, anxiety, and irritability have led to deficiencies in most areas including work, family relations, and mood.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is denied as there is no evidence of its onset in service or a link to service. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to lack of compliance with prior remand directives.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for increased PTSD rating and TDIU prior to the specified dates.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional VA clinical records and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The examiner must also opine whether any current psychiatric disorder is related to military service.

The Veteran's PTSD disability rating was reduced from 100% to 70%, and the Board found that this reduction was proper. The evidence did not show total social or occupational impairment, so a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent since December 9, 2008. The Board has granted a rating of 50 percent for the entire period of appeal.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for developmental sickle beta thalassemia (claimed as sickle cell anemia) due to new and material evidence. The claims for PTSD, depression NOS, and alcohol dependence are remanded for further development. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

Service connection for a left shoulder condition is denied.,For the entire period on appeal, the Veteran has been in receipt of the maximum rating assignable for limitation of extension (i.e., 10 percent) of the left hip. For the period from December 1, 2018 to February 13, 2019, the evidence shows the Veteran’s left and right hip flexion was limited to, at worst, 30 degrees.,For the period prior to December 1, 2018, and after February 13, 2019, the criteria for a rating higher than 10 percent for right hip degenerative arthritis, limitation of flexion have not been met. A compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,The Veteran's PTSD has more closely approximated occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks; symptoms causing occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, or total social and occupational impairment are not demonstrated. A rating of 30 percent for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that this rating is appropriate based on his symptoms of reduced reliability and productivity in work and social settings.