PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal includes issues related to his heart condition, PTSD, TDIU, and SMC. The Board has remanded several of these issues for further proceedings.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, which represents the maximum benefit allowed by law and regulation. The Board found that her symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding a verified stressor event in service, and for further examination to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities are related to his military service.

An initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is denied prior to March 7, 2015. As of March 7, 2015, an initial 70 percent disability rating for PTSD is granted.,A compensable rating for Eating Disorder is denied. An effective date prior to April 12, 2010 for the grant of service connection for Eating Disorder is also denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of PTSD was granted effective May 20, 2012. The Board found that the worsening of PTSD symptoms occurred within one year prior to his claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for further development, including obtaining SSA records and updated VA medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension has been granted, and an initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD is also granted.

The Board has expanded the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD to one for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety. The Veteran's August 2015 VA examination was deemed inadequate, and a new VA medical opinion is needed regarding the nature and etiology of his psychiatric conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected as it is related to his combat experience in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and pain from other disabilities are found to have caused his sleep apnea. However, there is no current diagnosis of PTSD in the record.

The Board has remanded the claims for PTSD, lumbar degenerative disc disease and strain, right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, left thumb ulnar collateral ligament surgery, status post reconstruction/fusion with ankylosis, left thumb sensory neuropathy, and ganglion cyst, left ankle due to outstanding VA medical records from the Little Rock VA Medical Center not being associated with the claims file.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, major depressive disorder, and alcohol abuse remission render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records from his Army National Guard and Navy Reserve periods of service. The Veteran is asked to provide information about these periods so that VA can obtain any missing records.

The Veteran's claims for increased PTSD disability rating and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records, including prison treatment records. The Veteran must also complete a VA Form 21-8940.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD and depression was granted effective September 17, 2010. Prior to this date, his claims were denied multiple times.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 30 percent disability level effective July 8, 2010. The claim for TDIU remains denied.

The Board has granted a TDIU from July 28, 2010 to February 19, 2015 based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including right shoulder injury, low back injury/surgery, eye disabilities, sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, lumps on back of right shoulder, residuals of sores on back of head, chloracne, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, and depression. The remand includes obtaining VA treatment records from the San Antonio VAMC, National Guard or Reserve service records, and clarifying private audiological evaluation results.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability, left lumbar radiculopathy, and PTSD have rendered him unable to maintain gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined impact of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise, and therefore grants service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD with depression.