PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's PTSD rating is being remanded due to the need for a current VA examination to assess the severity of his condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, is related to her military service and grants this claim. The claim for PTSD remains denied as there is no valid diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected left and right shoulder disabilities, as well as lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease (DDD), PTSD, and cognitive disorder to include traumatic brain injury, not otherwise specified, have been granted initial ratings of 20 percent each. The Veteran is also entitled to a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities. Service connection for acid reflux secondary to PTSD and erectile dysfunction (ED) secondary to PTSD are remanded.

The Board restored a 100% disability rating for PTSD with depressed mood and alcohol abuse effective from May 1, 2017, after finding that the evidence did not show an improvement in the Veteran's PTSD under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Veteran's PTSD with insomnia is granted a disability rating of 70 percent, but no higher. The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and bilateral painful neuroma are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The issues of service connection and TDIU are inextricably intertwined.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and conflicting diagnoses in the Veteran's treatment records. The Veteran is entitled to a new VA examination to determine if his current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, and the appeal is granted to this extent only. The issues of entitlement to service connection for various conditions are remanded.

Service connection was denied for lung condition, ED secondary to PTSD, and IHD. The Veteran's PTSD disability has a 50% evaluation since March 27, 2014, but an effective date prior to November 30, 2015 is denied.,IHD received a 30% evaluation in August 2017, but an effective date prior to August 10, 2017 is also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him incapable of obtaining and maintaining employment, leading to a grant of total disability due to individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened due to new evidence submitted since the previous denial. The Board then granted service connection for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, requires further examination and review due to incomplete medical records and need for updated evaluations.

The Veteran's TDIU appeal is remanded due to conflicting employment information and incomplete work history. The AOJ needs to clarify the Veteran’s employment status, update his VA Form 21-8940 detailing his full work history, and obtain SSA disability records.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD and granted it, finding that there is at least equipoise evidence to support a diagnosis of PTSD related to an in-service stressor.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development due to the need for a VA examination of the Veteran's right knee and consideration of his service-connected disabilities in determining if he requires aid and attendance.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, effective October 7, 2011. The Board found that the symptoms do not meet criteria for a higher rating as they did not result in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and an examination.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at a 70 percent disability level since January 24, 2019. The rating will remain at this level until further notice.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, and bilateral hearing loss. The remaining issues have been remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied, and the claim for unspecified trauma – stressor related disorder is granted.