PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and ischemic heart disease, make it impossible for him to secure or maintain any substantial gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's lay statements and VA treatment records are considered in determining whether his current diagnoses are related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and examination, as there are several issues that need clarification regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The decision found that there was no verified in-service stressor and thus could not establish a link between the current condition and service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The appeal was granted as her service-connected PTSD renders her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. The case is remanded to obtain a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to incomplete records and inconsistencies in the Veteran's statements. The AOJ is required to obtain VA medical records, service treatment records, SSA records, and conduct a VA examination to determine if any acquired psychiatric disorder(s) are related to military service.

The Board has granted an effective date of January 1, 1997 for the grant of a TDIU due to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an effective date prior to June 14, 2017 for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The decision is based on the finality of the October 2014 rating denying service connection and the lack of a claim of CUE.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD should be remanded due to inadequate examination and need for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to VA's failure to assist in obtaining private medical records and failing to schedule a VA examination. The Veteran is entitled to an opportunity for a VA examination to determine if his acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for a total rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded as the VA has not provided adequate notice and there are no recent VA examinations assessing his service-connected PTSD. The Veteran should be given another opportunity to complete and submit a VA Form 21-8940, and he will be advised of the consequences of failing to do so.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since February 6, 2009. The rating is denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to inadequate VA examinations and opinions that did not consider a conceded in-service stressor or apply the DSM-IV criteria. The Veteran also submitted additional evidence since the May 2019 CAVC decision, which necessitates further review.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and bilateral hearing loss, are deemed insufficient to allow for a determination on his TDIU claim. The Board has ordered further medical evaluation from an occupational or vocational medicine specialist.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective April 20, 2009. The Board found that the disability does not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,Service connection for sleep apnea has been granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD.,Service connection for colon cancer has been granted based on exposure to environmental hazards.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity and left upper extremity has not been established.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from March 15, 2012. A TDIU is granted as of March 23, 2018. The Board has remanded the issues regarding sleep apnea and hypertension due to secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status is remanded due to incomplete records, including recent eye examination reports from the Washington State Department of Corrections. The Board will request these records and ensure all outstanding VA records are associated with the electronic file.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of July 1, 2014 for the award of a 100 percent rating for PTSD and special monthly compensation at the housebound rate.