PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, PTSD, and a thyroid disorder as secondary to type-2 diabetes have been denied. The case is remanded for further development regarding the claim of a thyroid disorder.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of July 14, 2010 for service connection for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder. The issues of increased rating for PTSD prior to December 30, 2014 and in excess of 50 percent prior to July 7, 2015, entitlement to service connection for hearing loss, and TDIU are remanded.

The Board dismissed the appeal for a compensable disability rating for hemorrhoids. The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and hammertoes was reopened, but the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for PTSD are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted a 100 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, finding that his condition results in total social and occupational impairment.

The Board has granted increased staged ratings for bilateral CTS and denied service connection for GERD. The Veteran's effective date for PTSD was also set aside. The case is being remanded due to the improper reliance on a May 2016 VA examination.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection for TBI and dental condition. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD, along with depression and anxiety, was rated at 70 percent from July 22, 1971 to March 23, 2016. The rating is denied for a higher disability evaluation.

The Veteran's knee braces, back brace, and medications caused damage to his clothing. The Board granted a clothing allowance for the 2015 calendar year.

The Veteran's back disability claim is remanded for additional development. The cause of death claim is also remanded to obtain an autopsy report and a medical opinion on the cause of death.

The Veteran did not have any pending claims for VA benefits at the time of his death, and there were no accrued benefits due to him. The appellant's claim for accrued benefits is denied as she does not meet the legal criteria.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected PTSD disorder is being remanded due to the need for a current VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for a 100% rating for PTSD, finding that there was no factually ascertainable evidence showing indications of PTSD symptoms associated with a higher rating during the year prior to his claim. The effective date remains September 3, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a mental health condition, specifically bipolar disorder, is being remanded due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board finds that further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination, is necessary.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for service-connected PTSD has been denied. The Board also found that the Veteran's TDIU claim prior to May 22, 2018 is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The duodenal ulcer is rated at 20 percent and does not warrant an increase.

The Veteran's depression is found to be secondary to her service-connected PTSD, and thus she is granted service connection for depression.

The Veteran's PTSD is now rated at 70 percent, but not higher. The hearing loss remains noncompensable.

The Veteran's PTSD with generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board found that his symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher disability rating.