PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding no evidence of a chronic condition in service or at present.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a need for further examination. The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is pending.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, including restoration to a 70 percent rating effective December 1, 2016, is remanded. The propriety of the effective date of December 1, 2016 for the reduction in evaluation from 70 percent to 50 percent is also remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school family relations, judgment, thinking or mood. An initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD is granted.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability and residuals of cracked ribs and left chest contusions, but remanded the claim for posttraumatic stress disorder.,Service connection was not granted for any condition due to lack of evidence linking current conditions to service.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are rated at a maximum of 50 percent since March 7, 2018. Her PTSD with depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent.

The Veteran's injuries were related to his service-connected PTSD and the medical emergency was deemed hazardous, warranting payment for unauthorized medical expenses incurred at St. John’s Medical Center in Longview, Washington from February 20, 1999 to February 23, 1999.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his PTSD and right elbow condition. The main issue is that there are outstanding records from VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VRE) which need to be obtained. Additionally, further examinations of the Veteran's back and right elbow conditions are needed.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent effective August 24, 2017. Prior to this date, the rating was 30 percent.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD and right upper extremity disabilities. The claims for myocardial infarction, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD are denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial ratings due to outstanding SSA disability records that may provide relevant information.

The Veteran's claim for a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD is granted, effective June 28, 2013. The decision also grants an effective date of June 28, 2013, for the grant of total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has determined that there has not been substantial compliance with the prior remand directives and has therefore ordered further action to be taken on the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, hearing loss, and coronary artery disease, as well as a TDIU determination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 40 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity was denied. The Board also found that there is insufficient evidence to determine if service connection should be granted for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder. Both issues are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, effective as of the date of this decision. The Board also denied the claim for Individual Unemployability (TDIU) due to the Veteran’s ability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he requested withdrawal of the appeal and is satisfied with his current ratings.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's heart disability and psychiatric disability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The claims are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to military sexual trauma (MST) in service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.