PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has decided to remand the case for a higher rating. The Veteran needs an in-person VA examination due to his incarceration.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since May 10, 2017. The Board found that the disability picture most closely approximates a 70 percent rating and denied an increased rating. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded for further development.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for a 70% disability rating for PTSD, major depressive disorder, and cocaine-use disorder. The Veteran's condition was found to have worsened more than one year prior to the claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 10 percent and the Board has ordered a new examination to assess the severity of his condition.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability due to military sexual trauma (MST), including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, and Major depressive disorder (MDD). The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for liver damage, AC joint arthritis of the left shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome of the right and left wrist, degenerative disease of the left knee, degenerative changes of the right knee, chronic cervical strain with radiculopathy/neuropathy, lumbar strain, allergic rhinitis, and PTSD have all been denied. The Veteran's claim for prurigo is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have not improved since January 25, 2011, and do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for low back disability, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine with left upper extremity radiculopathy, hypertension, and psychiatric disability (including PTSD, depression, and nervous disorder) due to incomplete records and need for additional information regarding stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected, and the cases of TBI and migraine headaches are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for left knee disability, bilateral shoulder disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD), obstructive sleep apnea, and hypertension. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to his active duty service, but the preponderance of evidence does not support a nexus between his hypertension and service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus was granted. The Board found that new evidence supported the reopening of his previously denied claims and established service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and an earlier effective date have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions and their relation to service. A VA examination is needed for a proper determination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI residuals and an increased rating for PTSD are being remanded due to conflicting evidence and the need for further clarification.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for TBI was dismissed. His claims for liver condition, left hip strain, right hip strain, and PTSD were all denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he has the educational and vocational background to perform substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at the highest possible level (100%) for the entire appeal period, from November 24, 1981 to June 15, 2003.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened, and he is granted service connection for urinary frequency as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. Service connection for tinnitus is also granted.

The Board dismissed the appeals for increased initial evaluations of PTSD with adjustment disorder unspecific and lumbar and coccyx IVDS, as well as the claim to reopen service connection for hearing loss. The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding these issues.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and an examination, as it is unclear whether the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are related to his military service.