PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since June 3, 2011. A TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate are granted as of April 1, 2015.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since January 2013. The Board found that the symptoms do not meet or more closely approximate a higher rating of 70 percent, as they have resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service treatment records and VA medical records, and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran has an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

The Veteran's back brace was issued for pain unrelated to their service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder. As a result, the clothing allowance claim is denied.

The Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is found to be due to the stressors he experienced during military service, and therefore service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and an examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder with anxiety and PTSD, is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the onset of his psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by persistent danger of hurting himself or others from June 15, 2018, to August 3, 2018; from October 1, 2018, to March 31, 2019; and from May 1, 2019. The Board is assigning an initial 100 percent disability rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial rating of 70 percent effective September 18, 2009. A TDIU was also granted effective from May 11, 2005.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to their death, and no service connection or rating is assigned.

The Board has found that further development is required to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The case is being remanded for a VA examination and additional records.

The Board has remanded several issues, including the reopening of a service connection claim for a right knee disorder and the rating of PTSD. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent prior to October 1, 2014, and at 50 percent thereafter.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there is no current diagnosis of PTSD and that the evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran experienced an in-service stressor sufficient to meet the criteria for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the acquired psychiatric disability, and because the issues are intertwined with the claim of service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a sleep disorder are remanded due to the need for additional development, including verification of stressors and VA examinations.

The Board has decided that a VA mental health examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and mild neurocognitive disorder with Lewy bodies, are related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and an inadequate VA examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being reviewed again with additional information and a new evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and non-service-connected disability pension benefits due to insufficient information regarding his spouse's social security number, lack of a valid medical opinion linking PTSD to an in-service stressor, and incomplete VA treatment records. The Veteran is also being asked to provide more recent income and net worth information.

The Board has vacated its March 5, 2019 decision dismissing the Veteran's claim for increased PTSD ratings. The case is now remanded due to an incomplete record.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that it is aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.