PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD are rated at 70 percent, but no higher, effective May 2, 2017. The appeal for a TDIU is granted, and the case is remanded for an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to September 20, 2016 and 70 percent thereafter is denied. The Board finds that the Veteran’s sleep apnea should be remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the claim for an initial in excess of 20 percent rating for a left (major) shoulder disability due to recent evidence suggesting worsening symptoms.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and need for a VA examination. The Veteran's service connection claim for psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, is being reviewed.

The Board has granted an effective date of October 27, 2009 for the grant of a 50 percent evaluation for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected PTSD, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, and bilateral tinnitus. The case is being referred to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service for extraschedular TDIU consideration.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent effective April 19, 2017. Prior to this date, the rating was 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's anxiety disorder and service or any service-connected conditions.

The Board denied all requests for an effective date prior to September 1, 2013 for the awards of service connection and payment of disability compensation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, Parkinson's disease, and orthopedic conditions, necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance. The Board has determined that the criteria for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance have been met.

PTSD has been rated at 70 percent effective June 25, 2012.,The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, and a new examination is required.

The Veteran has been unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment since August 31, 2015 due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board finds that the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU as of this date.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence linking the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders to his active-duty service. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to in-service events or injuries.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder and PTSD. The case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, hypertension, neurological disorders of the lower and upper extremities are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's PTSD due to military sexual trauma should be remanded for further development, including obtaining service personnel records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's cause of death was due to end stage COPD, which the VA examiner opined was caused by his service-connected PTSD. The Board found that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran’s PTSD contributed substantially or materially to the cause of his death and granted the claim for service connection for cause of death.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was granted, and the effective date is set at October 22, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent.,The Veteran’s request for an increased rating for his lumbar spine disability remains denied as there is no evidence that forward flexion is 30 degrees or less, or that favorable ankylosis has occurred.