PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a back injury, an increased rating for diabetes mellitus, and entitlement to a total disability rating due to individual unemployability. The issues are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's PTSD was denied for higher ratings prior to July 1, 2016 and from July 1, 2016 onwards. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to July 1, 2016 or 50 percent starting July 1, 2016.

PTSD claim was withdrawn by the Veteran during a hearing before the Board.,Depressive Disorder rating increased from 30% to 50% prior to November 28, 2018, and then to 70% beginning November 28, 2018.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea has been reopened and granted. The appeal is also remanded to determine a rating for PTSD.

The Board dismissed all appeals related to the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings, as well as his request to reopen a previously denied claim. The cause of death was listed as frontal lobe degeneration and Parkinson-like progressive motor degeneration.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete records and need for further medical examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on aid and attendance was granted with an effective date of August 20, 2009. The decision is based on the service-connected disabilities including ischemic cardiomyopathy.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for corneal degeneration in the left eye was denied. The claims for higher initial ratings for left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, chronic cervical spine strain, and left knee patellar tendonitis were granted with a 20% rating effective from December 14, 2014. The claim for service connection for left upper extremity neuropathy and PTSD was remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection of migraine headaches, bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, and TDIU due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have caused him to be unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the grant of TDIU. The PTSD is rated at 70% disabling, but the Veteran asserts he should receive a 100% rating. He needs an updated VA examination for his psychiatric disability.

The Board has granted service connection for a right hip disability, finding that it is aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected PTSD. The effective date of this decision is not specified.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression have resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 50 percent disability rating since January 4, 2016. The appeal for higher ratings or TDIU has been denied.

The Veteran's PTSD disability is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has remanded to determine if a higher rating or TDIU is warranted.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a potential SSA disability benefits claim. The Veteran's appeal is not about service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, but rather whether he should be granted benefits related to his PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, bilateral athlete's foot, and an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD, insomnia, and adjustment disorder with mixed emotional features).,There was no evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran’s active duty service.

The Veteran's claim to establish service connection for PTSD with persistent depressive disorder was granted effective November 24, 2015. However, the Board denied a rating in excess of 70 percent and found that an earlier effective date is not warranted.

The Board denied service connection for headaches and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) as there was no evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for eligibility for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to lack of permanent and total disability with loss or use of one lower extremity.

The Board has decided that more information is needed to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other specified depressive disorder, is related to service. The case will be sent back for further evaluation.