PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran is requesting an earlier effective date for service connection and rating decisions related to PTSD. The Board has determined that these issues are inextricably intertwined with the remanded issue of an earlier effective date for service connection, so both must be addressed.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has ordered remand to obtain additional VA treatment records that may affect his rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to the inference of a claim for Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) from the evidence of record, and will schedule the Veteran for a VA PTSD review examination.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertensive vascular disease has been reopened, and he is now rated at a 50% disability rating. The initial 30% PTSD rating remains in place, but the effective date will be changed to reflect the reopening of his claim. Service connection for erectile dysfunction is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has decided to remand both his claim for an increased rating and his TDIU claim prior to May 17, 2016. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional information regarding the Veteran's employment history and to consider whether extraschedular consideration is warranted due to his shoulder disabilities. The earlier effective date for TDIU remains unchanged.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's address of record needs to be updated and a supplemental VA examination is required.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bone atrophy is denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or relationship to service.,The Veteran's claims for right wrist sprain, PTSD, sleep apnea, and sleeping disorder are remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since March 22, 2013. From October 1, 2013 to March 3, 2017, the Veteran was granted a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for a back disability, ED, PTSD, hypertension, and IBS. The claims of service connection for these conditions are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions.,Service connection was not granted as the evidence did not show that any current disabilities were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for neck disability, left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), sinusitis, respiratory disability, and psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, have been dismissed. The VA has remanded the issues of service connection for sinusitis, respiratory disability, IBS, and PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disability, other than posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service boxing injuries and his service-connected sleep apnea.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse disorder is rated at 70 percent, but no higher. The rating reflects the Veteran's social and occupational impairment due to his symptoms of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideations, and impaired judgment.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, as there was no evidence of a diagnosis of PTSD or a causal link to service.

The Veteran's initial 30 percent rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess current severity.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for pseudofolliculitis barbae, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, cervical spine, left heel spur, and erectile dysfunction have been withdrawn. The Board has not found a compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae.,The Veteran’s acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) is remanded for further examination and opinion. His right ankle tendonitis and bilateral knee disabilities are also remanded for additional examinations to determine the severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a rash was reopened, and his PTSD remains at a 70% disability rating. His request for an increased evaluation in excess of 70% for PTSD is being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, low back disability, and sciatic nerve damage of the left and right lower extremities render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment since January 30, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and his TDIU claim is denied.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD, finding that October 14, 2015 is the earliest date it is factually ascertainable that the Veteran had a diagnosis of PTSD.