PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent disabling, effective July 6, 2012. She contends that her PTSD warrants a higher rating due to suicidal ideation and the Board has granted an increased rating of 70 percent for PTSD throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a renal disorder has been reopened. The Board also remanded several issues including initial ratings for various conditions such as tibia stress fracture, hypertension, head scar, burn scar of the left wrist and arm, migraine disorder, PTSD with TBI, right tibia stress fracture, and tinnitus.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and awarded SMC based on the need of regular aid and attendance, but denied service connection for Hepatitis C.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective from March 13, 2013 to present. The evidence does not support a higher rating as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 70% disability rating.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD effective March 3, 2017, based on a confirmed diagnosis of PTSD related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity. The effective date is the date entitlement arose, which was March 3, 2017.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and non-service-connected disability pension benefits, finding that there was no evidence to support a current diagnosis of PTSD or other mental health conditions related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status is remanded due to insufficient evidence in the record regarding his daily needs and whether they are related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis and PTSD. The decision also remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The petition to reopen a claim for service connection for PTSD is granted. Entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted. The Veteran's right foot condition is remanded and will be evaluated based on the evidence provided.

The Board has denied service connection for tinnitus and remanded the issue of a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD. The case is now being returned to the RO for further action.

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder prior to April 7, 2016 resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for PTSD due to new and material evidence submitted by the Veteran. However, the claim is still pending as it was remanded for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right hip disabilities, as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD), due to inadequate VA examination reports. The Veteran is required to provide additional evidence or undergo further examinations.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability for the period prior to June 5, 2018 due to his service-connected disabilities. The issue of TDIU after June 5, 2018 is moot as he already has a combined schedular evaluation of 100%.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to his symptoms not meeting criteria for a 100% evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, depression, body muscle spasms (now claimed as arthritis right hip and bilateral wrist), status-post intercostal neuritis (claimed as chest pain), loss of teeth for compensation purposes, TDIU, and specially adapted housing are all remanded due to inadequate examination reports and the need for additional evidence. The petition to reopen the previously denied claim for loss of teeth for compensation purposes is also remanded.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder and anxiety, finding that the evidence did not support a current diagnosis of these conditions or establish their relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of consideration of the Veteran's suicidal ideation in his PTSD evaluation, and ordered another VA examination.