PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board has decided to remand several issues for further development, including increased ratings for PTSD and residuals of tumor, as well as service connection claims related to the Veteran's right mandibular gland mass. The TDIU issue is also raised and will be addressed on remand.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his military service or any service-connected disability. The decision also noted that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection under the Gulf War presumption.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation due to the regular need for aid and attendance is being remanded as there are insufficient medical opinions regarding his ability to care for himself.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service, specifically due to alleged military sexual trauma (MST). The VA will need to obtain additional medical records and conduct a VA examination to determine if there is a link between the Veteran's current psychiatric diagnoses and his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for major depression with PTSD as secondary to pseudofolliculitis barbae, finding that the claim arose on September 15, 2003 and the appropriate effective date is July 14, 2014.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an initial rating of 70 percent prior to January 3, 2018 and denied for a higher rating from that date.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal for a higher initial disability rating for PTSD, so the issue is dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an increased rating to 100% effective June 3, 2016.,TDIU on a schedular basis was denied as the Veteran did not meet minimum requirements prior to June 3, 2016.

The Board has remanded the case due to several issues, including obtaining an adequate social and industrial survey, a psychiatric examination addressing PTSD's impact on employment, and updating treatment records. The Veteran’s TDIU claim will be reconsidered with these additional developments.

The appeal was dismissed due to the appellant's death, and no service connection decision is made.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his in-service combat experiences. The claim of adjustment disorder with depressed mood is also granted.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, left knee disability, ankle disabilities, and special monthly compensation based on housebound status were granted effective February 18, 2014. The Board denied earlier effective dates as the evidence did not show a claim was filed prior to this date.,The Veteran attempted to file claims in October 2003, 2005, and 2014 but was told by VA employees that her service records could not be located or she would need to seek treatment at a VA medical facility. She provided lay statements supporting these attempts.

The appeal for service connection of PTSD has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has remanded the issue of a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to August 27, 2007. The TDIU claim for the period from August 27, 2007, to November 1, 2013, is also pending and requires referral to the Director of Compensation for an opinion on whether the Veteran is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a disability rating of 70 percent, which is the maximum available under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating and TDIU due to his PTSD with alcohol and stimulant use disorder. Further development is needed, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a rating greater than 70 percent for PTSD and service connection for a chronic respiratory disability, including asthma and COPD. The decision also granted TDIU.

The Veteran's dysthymic disorder is granted a rating of 30 percent, effective from June 30, 2015. Service connection for PTSD and the left eye disorder are both granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The Board denied a higher rating as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

Service connection for PTSD and MDD has been granted.,The Veteran's claims of service connection for sinusitis, lumbar disability, and right shoulder disability are being remanded for further development.