PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal for earlier effective dates for service connection and increased ratings is REMANDED due to outstanding VA treatment records, inadequate examination reports, and issues not addressed in the Statement of the Case.,The Veteran's appeal for TDIU is also REMANDED as it is inextricably intertwined with his other claims.

The Veteran's right wrist disability is rated at 30 percent, reflecting favorable ankylosis in the range of 20 to 30 degrees of dorsiflexion.,The Veteran's lower back disability is rated at 40 percent, indicating limitation of motion with flexion not exceeding 45 degrees.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of service connection for a neck disability and an increased rating for PTSD due to insufficient medical evidence on file. The Veteran needs to undergo additional examinations to determine the current severity of her disabilities and their etiology.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for his acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to psychiatric symptomatology prior to October 1, 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100 percent rating, effective September 27, 2010. The issue of TDIU is moot due to the grant of service connection for PTSD. An earlier effective date prior to September 27, 2010, for the grant of service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and kidney disability combined to meet the criteria for a TDIU rating, but further examination is needed to assess his ability to work.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine if any of the Veteran's diagnosed psychiatric conditions are related to his service, including as a result of high-stress environment due to duties as a radioman. The matter will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to properly adjudicate the issues on appeal, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's disability rating for PTSD was reduced from 70% to 50%, effective September 1, 2015. The Board found that the reduction was improper and restored the 70% disability evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, as there was no evidence of a chronic condition in service or within one year after separation. The Veteran's reported stressor could not be verified and his lay statements were insufficient to establish the occurrence of the stressor.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is granted. The Board found that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD and established a link between his in-service stressor (an explosion on the ship he was on) and his current symptoms.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran suffers from any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, has been granted. The issue of service connection for a cervical spine disability is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is characterized by occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas. He was granted an initial rating of 70 percent for his PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for coronary artery disease and PTSD with depressive disorder were denied, while he was granted a TDIU rating.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD, finding that May 12, 2011 was the correct effective date as the September 2007 denial is final and no CUE has been raised.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in reduced reliability and productivity, but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or TDIU on a schedular basis prior to April 19, 2017.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and TDIU due to incomplete records, unclear examination scheduling, and need for further development.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and mood disorder. The case is now remanded to determine if these conditions are related to active service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since November 18, 2009. The VA granted an increased initial rating for PTSD and a TDIU based on PTSD.