PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and requests for additional information from the Veteran, including private treatment records and SSA disability benefits records. The VA will also obtain updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective from October 18, 2011. The claim for an increased rating remains before the Board as this grant does not represent a total grant of benefits sought on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 50 percent rating, but no higher, for the entire initial rating period on appeal. The symptoms include anxiety, depression, intrusive memories of service in Vietnam, and social anxiety.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD is granted an initial disability rating of 70 percent, but no higher. The Board finds the Veteran’s current heart condition and cervical spine disability issues are inextricably intertwined with his remanded claim for increased ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee and left knee disabilities, as well as for cirrhosis of liver (hepatitis B), but has remanded the issues regarding right shoulder condition, bilateral foot condition, acid reflux, rashes over body, sinus and headache condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD was denied as VA did not receive a claim within one year after separation from service and there is no communication prior to May 18, 2017 that could be reasonably construed as a claim of entitlement to benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination. The issues of increased ratings for various conditions are also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and residuals of a traumatic brain injury are granted. The claim for low back disability is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating prior to May 15, 2014. The Board also granted TDIU based on service-connected disabilities prior to September 23, 2013, and SMC from prior to May 15, 2014.

The Veteran's neuroma, left foot, was granted service connection. The compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss appeal was dismissed. The Veteran's trigger thumb, left hand, right leg fracture, and acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder and PTSD) claims are pending and will be remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, major depression, dysthymic disorder and adjustment disorder can be adjudicated on the merits.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and depression, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to her in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, is denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD and the VA examiner found no nexus between the current anxiety condition and service.

The Veteran's lung cancer is granted as service-connected due to presumed exposure. The PTSD rating is increased, but the remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and pseudofolliculitis barbae have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU rating for the period from January 12, 2015 to prior to January 23, 2018.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for migraines prior to July 31, 2018 was denied.,A 50 percent rating for migraines from July 31, 2018 through December 19, 2018 was granted.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for migraines after December 19, 2018 was denied.,Service connection for PTSD was not established prior to April 28, 2014 and a 70 percent rating has been granted since then.,Service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae was granted.,Service connection for TBI and CFS were both denied.,Service connection for a disorder manifested by radiation exposure was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA medical opinion regarding the service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The examiner is requested to provide opinions on whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability (including depressive disorder NOS) or PTSD began during active service or is related to an incident of service.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU for the period prior to August 14, 2018. The issue of service connection for sleep apnea (secondary to PTSD, sinusitis and chronic rhinitis) is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and a need for further medical examinations. The issues include PTSD, migraine headaches, eye conditions, and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, genitourinary disability (ED and left orchitis), PTSD, and TDIU prior to October 11, 2012 due to incomplete records and need for medical opinions.