PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board has denied service connection for sleep apnea and PTSD as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions in the Veteran's medical records.

The Board has granted an initial 50 percent rating for PTSD, but the cases of diverticulosis and scars have been remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD and back disability are granted as service-connected. The Board found that the current disabilities were caused by in-service events, with no evidence of pre-existing conditions or other theories of connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and he has other service-connected disabilities that meet the threshold for a TDIU. The appeal is granted as to both issues.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected. The Veteran's other trauma and stressor related disorder remains remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied the claim of service connection for cause of death, finding that there was no causal relationship between the Veteran's service and his death from pulmonary tuberculosis.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and remanded the issues of service connection for fibromyalgia, OSA, and radiculopathy of both lower extremities. The Veteran's claim for fibromyalgia was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service event that supports this condition. Service connection for PTSD has been granted based on an in-service stressor related to fear of hostile military activity. OSA and radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities remain under remand for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD due to military sexual trauma, is remanded as new evidence has been provided and the issue requires further examination.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD prior to May 16, 2018 is denied.,The Veteran’s claim for a compensable rating for his back scar is remanded.,The Veteran’s claim for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine with chronic lumbar strain is also remanded.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for meningitis, renal failure as secondary to meningitis, headaches as secondary to meningitis, PTSD as secondary to meningitis, depressive disorder as secondary to meningitis, and anxiety disorder as secondary to meningitis. The Board found that the appellant does not have any of these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is now rated at 100 percent effective April 3, 2019. The rating for PTSD prior to that date remains at 70 percent. Tinnitus and diabetes mellitus are both rated at the maximum allowed under their respective diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and he is granted TDIU benefits. The left mandibular nerve damage case remains pending.

The Board denied DIC benefits based on service connection for the cause of death, finding that none of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused or contributed to his death. The primary causes were identified as aspiration pneumonia and coagulopathy due to Coumadin therapy.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent prior to July 2, 2014. The Board finds that the Veteran meets the criteria for a 70 percent rating but not more than 70 percent. TDIU was also granted based on PTSD prior to July 2, 2014.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for depression was dismissed. The appeals for the remaining conditions were denied or remanded.

The Veteran's 100% rating for PTSD was restored due to improper reduction and lack of proper notification.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to ensure proper evaluation of the Veteran's PTSD and TDIU claims due to insufficient evidence or examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral shoulder pain, bilateral knee joint pain, back joint pain, and bilateral hip joint pain due to a lack of evidence in the record. The RO did not consider the Veteran's combat status during service or his military occupation specialty as a cavalry scout.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 50 percent for PTSD with associated depressive disorder NOS prior to December 20, 2017 was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to service-connected PTSD with associated depressive disorder NOS prior to December 20, 2017 was also denied.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of May 9, 1983 for the award of service connection for PTSD. The February 9, 1993 rating decision that assigned a 10 percent disability rating for PTSD is being remanded to determine if there was clear and unmistakable error (CUE).