PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's PTSD, Crohn's disease, and impairment of sphincter control. The issues include rating determinations for these conditions, effective date determinations, and service connection claims. Additionally, a TDIU claim is also on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board granted TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating. The TDIU claim was also denied due to insufficient evidence of unemployability.

The Veteran's motion to vacate the May 10, 2019 decision was granted. Service connection for an acquired psychological disorder including PTSD is granted with an effective date prior to November 7, 2014. The earlier effective date claim and compensable rating claim are both remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD is remanded due to evidence indicating that his condition may have worsened since the last examination in March 2017. A new VA examination is needed.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to obtain a medical opinion regarding his alcohol abuse disorder and whether it is due to or secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating of 70%.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50% from November 12, 2014 to August 25, 2015. The claim for service connection for Lumbar Spine DDD has been reopened and is currently pending.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and tinnitus at 10 percent. The combined disability rating of 60 percent does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 30 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder and service connection for skin disability due to incomplete medical records and the need for updated examinations.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted. The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the in-service stressors and a need for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and opinions to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, including peripheral neuropathy and GERD. The effective date for an increased rating of PTSD remains denied.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD and Persistent Depressive Disorder were granted a 70% rating effective April 15, 2016. The left shoulder disability was granted an increased rating to 40%. SMC at the housebound rate is also granted.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD is dismissed.,VA has ordered the remand of several issues including bilateral foot disorder, residuals of chondrosarcoma and left epididymal cyst, bilateral knee disability, shin splints, asthma rating, and onychomycosis. The Veteran must provide additional evidence to support his claims.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a bilateral foot disorder is remanded due to the need for an opinion regarding whether the current condition is related to in-service sharp pains in the right foot.,VA has ordered the remand of several issues including residuals of chondrosarcoma and left epididymal cyst, bilateral knee disability, shin splints, asthma rating, and onychomycosis. The Veteran must provide additional evidence to support his claims.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral shin splints is remanded due to the need for an opinion regarding whether the current condition is related to in-service pain and knots on the knees during military service.,VA has ordered the remand of several issues including asthma rating, onychomycosis. The Veteran must provide additional evidence to support his claims.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral foot onychomycosis (foot fungus) is remanded due to the need for an opinion regarding whether the current condition is related to in-service sharp pains in the right foot.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted an initial rating of 50 percent prior to December 14, 2016; and a 70 percent thereafter.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and examination, including service connection claims for various conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The decision grants an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder were found to be manifested by symptoms comparable to a 70 percent disability rating, warranting an increased rating from the date of claim.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and Depression, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to in-service stressors including a personal assault during field training exercises.