PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent since June 14, 2012. The Board denied an initial rating of more than 50 percent for PTSD and denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU).

The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded for a new examination to assess its current severity. The effective date of service connection for PTSD is also being remanded due to the lack of a statement of the case.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 100% disability rating prior to October 30, 2017. The Board found that his symptoms were more consistent with a 70% disability rating.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection have been granted, and the cases are remanded for further development to obtain STRs and SPRs. The claims of service connection for residuals of an appendectomy, variously diagnosed psychiatric disability (to include PTSD), diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and respiratory disability are all being remanded.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus between the Veteran's current mental health conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of PTSD with MD NOS was denied, but he was granted individual unemployability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service records and a need for further search. The appellant's claims will be reconsidered after additional information is obtained.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder causes him to be in need of regular aid and attendance, thus granting special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional records, particularly regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for PTSD with schizoaffective disorder is denied as the earliest possible effective date is April 12, 2006.

The Board dismissed all claims due to the Veteran's death, as it has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of his claims.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder is being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new examination.

The Veteran's PTSD with secondary major depression is productive of total social and occupational impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, thus the Board granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since the initial grant of service connection. The Board found that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent for bilateral pes planus due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is entitled to a new VA examination for his psychiatric disorders, as well as a new VA examination for his bilateral pes planus.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection claims due to the appellant not having qualifying service prior to an August 2016 administrative decision.,The July 1965 rating decision is considered final as it was based on incomplete records, and new relevant post-service medical records received in August 2015 do not change this.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to February 15, 2017 resulted in a rating of 30 percent. Since then, the symptoms have warranted a higher rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100 percent disability evaluation for the entire appeal period, with total occupational and social impairment throughout both periods on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not manifest to total occupational and social impairment, and his disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work experience. Therefore, the claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is denied.