PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with major depressive and substance disorders, as well as the claim for a TDIU due to inadequate evidence from previous VA examinations.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and tension headaches have not met the criteria for higher ratings, with the exception of a remanded issue regarding service connection for loss of teeth numbers 8 and 9.,PTSD has been remanded due to issues related to effective date and TDIU.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating for PTSD with bruxism before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, PTSD, and hypertension due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been rated at 90 percent disabling since September 23, 2012. The Board has granted restoration of disability ratings for migraines, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, as well as TDIU from September 23, 2012 to September 22, 2013.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety and PTSD, is related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD due to the lack of verified in-service stressors and a diagnosis by a VA psychiatrist that the Veteran did not have PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma, PTSD, and sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. The claim for PTSD is also being reopened.

The Veteran's VR&E benefits claim was remanded due to the need for a functional capacity evaluation considering his service-connected disabilities and its impact on employment.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 9, 2012, for the award of service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no clear evidence that any irregularities occurred in VA's mail handling process.

The Veteran's appeal for an effective date prior to April 17, 2013 for the assignment of a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD with anxiety disorder and for TDIU was denied as there is no legal entitlement to such.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The neck condition claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus (right), post-traumatic stress disorder (MST), left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and post right foot hallux valgus surgery scars, do not render her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, thus meeting the criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective May 4, 2015. Prior to that date, the rating was 30 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus due to herbicide exposure, but denied service connection for PTSD as the claimed stressors were not verified.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The lung disability issue is remanded due to insufficient development.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and he is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of entitlement to initial compensable ratings for tension headaches and a rating higher than 50 percent for PTSD with anxiety due to inadequate examinations. The Veteran needs updated VA treatment records and an appropriate examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for watery eyes, obstructive sleep apnea, a cardiac disability, hypertension, asthma, and an acquired psychiatric disability (likely PTSD) are not supported by the evidence of record. The Board finds additional development is needed to address these issues.