PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's increased disability rating for PTSD and service connection for osteoporosis are remanded due to inconsistencies in the work history provided. The TDIU claim is also remanded as there are inconsistencies regarding employment information.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral pes planus and PTSD. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is found to have existed prior to service, and there is no evidence of aggravation during service. Service connection was not granted for PTSD due to lack of verified in-service stressors.,Service connection for limitation of motion, left ankle, right ankle, and plantar fasciitis are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and a need for new evidence. The Veteran's claim will be reviewed again with a new VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran experienced an in-service personal assault and that his current diagnosis of PTSD is causally related to this event.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as it is at least as likely as not related to his service.,The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine with HNP at L5-S1 is granted as it first manifested in service.,The Veteran's prostate condition and hypertension are remanded for further review due to potential herbicide exposure during service.,

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been continuously present throughout the appeal period and more closely approximate a 70 percent disability rating, resulting in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for service connection for an acquired mental disorder other than PTSD and PTSD was granted. The issues of service connection were remanded due to the failure to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70 percent rating, effective from the date of claim. The Veteran’s migraine headaches are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as anxiety and depression, secondary to the Veteran's service-connected orthopedic disabilities. The appeal is dismissed for all other issues.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased rating for PTSD and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. A new VA examination is needed to assess his current psychiatric symptoms, including dementia, and their impact on employment.

The Veteran's PTSD has not been shown to cause occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, which would warrant a higher rating. The Board found the severity of his symptoms equated to a 30 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS, sleep apnea, PTSD, adjustment disorder with anxiety, depression, a right lower leg disability, and a lumbar spine disability are being remanded due to the need for further development of evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to not meet the criteria for a higher initial evaluation of 50% or above, and denied any higher rating beyond the assigned 30%. For the period from February 14, 2013, the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a total schedular rating of 100%, as his symptoms were found to be consistent with a 70% evaluation.

The Board has decided that the reduction in the evaluation for PTSD from 70 to 50 percent was not proper. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have included trauma recall and intrusive memories, avoidance, negative cognitive and mood changes, irritability, an exaggerated startle response, worry about work and finances, recurrent difficulty controlling worry, poor concentration, chronic sleep disturbance, verbal impulsivity, suspiciousness, depressed mood, anxiety, near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately, and effectively, impaired judgement, disturbances of motivation, difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances (such as work or a work-like setting), inability to establish and maintain effective relationships, obsessional rituals, impaired impulse control, memory problems, angry outbursts, and aggressive behavior. The Board has also decided that the Veteran's PTSD is more than 70 percent disabling and requires a new examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the evaluation of PTSD and the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD, including the reduction from 100% to 50%, was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made by the Board.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since September 26, 2012, to June 28, 2016. The claim for service connection of a back disability and cervical spine disability has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD and diabetes) render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The appeal seeking service connection for PTSD is dismissed. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD is denied.