PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the claims for a right wrist disability and PTSD due to missing medical records from a city hospital in St. Louis, as well as recent mental health treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is being remanded for a new examination consistent with DSM-5 criteria, as well as for consideration of TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability are being remanded due to the need to adjudicate her claim of clear and unmistakable error in the December 2007 decision.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but it did not cause total occupational and social impairment from May 20, 2015 to April 1, 2019. From April 2, 2019, the criteria for a rating greater than 70 percent for PTSD have not been met.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PTSD and TBI residuals due to inconsistencies in the documentation, including a lack of neuropsychological testing.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for PTSD with secondary dysthymia is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and consideration of his claims, including increased ratings for PTSD and tinnitus, as well as a TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral plantar fascitis is denied as the disability does not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 30 percent.,Service connection for PTSD has been granted based on credible supporting evidence of in-service stressors and medical evidence linking current symptomatology to service.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected due to a personal assault during basic training.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss has been reopened, but the issue of entitlement to an increased rating for PTSD with bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder in remission remains pending.,The Veteran's service connection claim for sleep apnea is also pending.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in total social and occupational impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating.

The Veteran has withdrawn appeals for increased ratings and service connection for various conditions, except for the TDIU claim which is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder are currently rated at 70 percent, effective from March 31, 2010. The Veteran is also granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and consideration of his social phobia diagnosis.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has ordered a new examination to assess whether his condition has worsened since his last VA examination in February 2015.

The Veteran's PTSD has worsened since his last VA examination, and the Board finds that a remand is necessary to ensure evidence of current severity. The issue of TDIU has also been raised by the record.

The Veteran's claims for right thigh condition, residuals of laceration on right cornea, concussion with hematoma, right shoulder arthritis, pinched nerve condition, memory loss, PTSD, and depression have been granted. The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for back condition prior to October 6, 2014, and in excess of 40 percent thereafter is remanded. The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating on the basis of individual unemployability (TDIU) is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD prior to August 18, 2003 is denied. The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in the November 1982 rating decision that initially denied service connection.,The Veteran's initial claim for a higher evaluation for PTSD was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for an increased evaluation prior to June 21, 2016.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the Veteran's PTSD and its relationship to service, as well as whether her psychiatric disorders are related to her service-connected heart condition.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder was granted a 70 percent rating from July 28, 2010 to May 16, 2017. The appeal is remanded for further development regarding other issues.