PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, specifically PTSD related to military sexual trauma (MST).

The Board vacated its previous decision and granted service connection for PTSD and tinnitus, denied an increased rating for right knee flexion, granted separate ratings for right knee extension and instability, and denied a compensable rating for hypertension. The flat feet, PFB, and TDIU claims were remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders and tinnitus have been granted service connection. The right knee disability has been granted a separate rating for limitation of flexion, but the issue regarding TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50% prior to October 14, 2016 and increased to 70% thereafter. The TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is found to be causally related to his active military service.

The Board has remanded multiple issues on appeal, including the rating for right hip strain, left knee and ankle strains, left tibia stress fracture, acne (claimed as eczema), anemia, and a psychiatric disorder. The Veteran is also requested to provide updated VA treatment records and Social Security Administration records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and entitlement to a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) due to issues with the evidence provided by the Court.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for TBI residuals, including related conditions such as migraines and PTSD/depression, is granted with an effective date of July 28, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with bipolar disorder and sarcoidosis have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting the grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for asthma, a respiratory disability manifested by cough, colds and upper respiratory infection, abrasion and infection of the right knee, numbness of the left upper leg, and an acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD and depression has been denied.,The Board found that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of any of these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected, and he is also granted a temporary total evaluation for hospital treatment due to his PTSD. The issues of increased ratings for lumbar strain with muscle spasms and adjustment disorder with depressed mood are remanded, and the issue of TDIU is inextricably intertwined with these other claims.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully evaluate the Veteran's claims, including for a VA examination and obtaining missing service treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD with secondary alcohol use disorder is granted at a 70 percent rating, effective prior to May 3, 2016. A higher rating of over 70 percent is denied since that date. The Veteran also receives a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and adjustment disorder with depressed mood is granted. The claim for marijuana dependence is also granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C, sleep apnea, a toenail fungus, GERD with constipation, PTSD, diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity (sciatic nerve), peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve), peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity (anterior crural nerve), and peripheral neuropathy of the right upper and left upper extremities. The Veteran's claims for service connection were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's enzyme deficiency and PTSD claims are both granted. The enzyme deficiency claim is reopened due to new evidence, while the PTSD claim is based on a valid diagnosis related to his Vietnam service.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, MDD, Panic Disorder, and Anxiety Disorder. The other issues on appeal are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating higher than 30 percent for PTSD is remanded due to conflicting evidence of the current severity of his symptoms.