PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination reports and the need for a new one with an appropriate clinician to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD, left knee instability, and right leg numbness were not rated prior to March 9, 2016.,Left leg numbness was rated as 10 percent disabling effective March 9, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of 70 percent for PTSD is granted. The appeal regarding service connection for hypertension, degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is remanded. The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent from November 1, 2011 to September 15, 2014. The Board found that the evidence supported a higher rating of 70 percent for this period.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and a TDIU is granted. The effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD remains December 1, 2016.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been severe enough to warrant a 70 percent disability rating since the onset of his service-connected condition. The appeal for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD, finding that no error or CUE was present in the July 2003 rating decision and January 2009 rating decision. The earliest possible effective date assigned is March 6, 2008.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent rating for the entire initial rating period on appeal.

The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD was denied, and the Board found that her symptoms did not warrant a higher than 50 percent rating. The appeal regarding thoracic spine pain is remanded due to incomplete records.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has denied a higher rating as it does not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development due to incomplete information and inextricably intertwined issues.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is being remanded for further evaluation due to conflicting medical opinions and the need for additional records.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him in need of regular aid and assistance, which is granted for SMC based on aid and attendance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, finding that there is no competent evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD or any other psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that his claim for TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was received on January 22, 2015. The effective date of service connection is denied as it does not meet the criteria set by VA regulations.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current psychiatric disability (to include anxiety, depression, or PTSD) during the appeal period and therefore denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD, finding that the Veteran withdrew her claim in October 2004 and thus the effective date is March 4, 2008.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran was not provided with a proper VA examination and his attempts to contact him have been unsuccessful.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected as it was caused by a stressor related to his military service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.