PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is denied. The Board found that the earliest date of entitlement was June 1, 2018, when the Veteran filed his intention to reopen his claim.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and effective dates were denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s PTSD, Headache Syndrome, Degenerative Disc Disease with Degenerative Arthritis of the Thoracolumbar Spine, and Tinnitus are currently rated appropriately.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including adjustment disorder with moderate anxiety and depression, and PTSD. The decision is based on the Veteran's combat experiences during his active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since February 29, 2000.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the severity of his symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an effective date earlier than February 3, 2018 for the award of service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder with major depressive disorder. The decision stated that there was no basis for such a date due to the laws and regulations regarding reopening claims based on new evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection, and his left shoulder disability, OSA, and hypertension were denied. The claims for residuals of H. pylori infection and duodenal ulcer, personality disorder, and bilateral plantar fasciitis are all granted.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for migraine headaches was granted as of May 16, 2012. His PTSD was also granted with a 70% disability rating effective from the same date.

The Veteran's TDIU and increased PTSD rating were granted, but the attorney fees for these decisions are denied because no NOD was filed for the PTSD increase.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for PTSD due to insufficient examination and opinion regarding the claimed stressor. The Veteran's symptoms are related to his separation from his wife during service in Germany, but the examiner did not consider this stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's widespread joint pain is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's fatigue is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include right ankle disability, bilateral foot disabilities, obstructive sleep apnea, and acquired psychiatric disabilities.

The Board denied the reopening of the claim for service connection for PTSD because no new and material evidence was submitted, and the Veteran's statements were considered duplicative.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that he did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD at any point during or just prior to the appeal period. The Veteran was previously granted service connection for generalized anxiety disorder with major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation since November 10, 2011.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is granted as service connected due to a stressor that occurred during active duty in Korea.

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in evaluating evidence and not considering all service-connected disabilities when determining TDIU. The Veteran's PTSD, along with other service-connected conditions, will need further examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted an initial increased rating of 70 percent, effective November 15, 2017. The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as he remains employed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development to obtain relevant medical records and determine appropriate effective dates and ratings.