PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. Effective dates earlier than the assigned dates are not granted as there is no evidence of intent to file a claim prior to those dates.,An effective date earlier than November 6, 2014 for PTSD, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, and hypertension is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to July 22, 2003 for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for PTSD was also denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, as well as an increased rating for his right ankle disability. The remand requires obtaining verification of the alleged in-service stressor, requesting all service personnel records (SPRs), and scheduling VA examinations to determine the severity of the right ankle disability and the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for additional evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The examination should address whether his mother's death and subsequent abuse during bootcamp are related to his conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service in Turkey during the Cuban missile crisis, and granted service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent rating prior to October 6, 2015. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD remains on appeal as higher ratings are still available during the appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient information regarding the accommodations provided by the Veteran's employer.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at a minimum, initial 50 percent rating. The Board has found that further examination and evidence are needed to determine if the Veteran should be granted an increased rating for his PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has not resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a disability rating of 30 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the maximum rating available under the General Formula for Mental Disorders. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has remanded both issues of rating and TDIU.

The reduction in the rating for service-connected PTSD with a major depressive disorder from 100% to 70%, effective March 1, 2018, was proper.

The Board has dismissed all the issues of service connection as they are related to a deceased Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his service, specifically his participation in funeral details during his military service. The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and the other psychiatric conditions.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection of sleep apnea should be remanded due to a need for additional medical opinion regarding the relationship between PTSD and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to be less severe than a higher rating, with symptoms approximating the criteria for a 50 percent disability rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, TBI, intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and sciatica, left lower extremity. The case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD claim for service connection was granted. The reduction of his low back disability rating from 40% to 20% was denied, and the appeal seeking a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was dismissed.

The Veteran meets the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate due to his service-connected PTSD, which is rated as 70 percent disabling. He also has an additional service-connected disability (Graves disease) independently rated at 60 percent or more.