PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate examination, and no rating or effective date is assigned as this is a service connection claim.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU was withdrawn, and the Board dismissed it. The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on his need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims of increased ratings for coronary artery disease and PTSD, as well as the earlier effective dates for SMC at the housebound rate, TDIU, and DEA benefits are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and information regarding his employment status.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting diagnoses of PTSD and the need for a new examination.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression are currently rated at 30 percent, but the VA is ordered to schedule a new examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected conditions. The TDIU claim is also pending as part of this increased rating claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and PTSD with alcohol use disorder, as well as her claim for sinus tachycardia (claimed as a heart condition), are being remanded due to the need for additional development and clarification of evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to December 2, 2014 for service connection of tinnitus, PTSD, and bilateral hearing loss as there was no completed formal or informal claim pending before that date.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 50% disability rating for PTSD with depression was denied as the increase in his disability did not occur prior to July 28, 2011.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his active duty service and grants entitlement to service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine L4-L5, L5-S1, status post laminectomy x2 have been reopened. New evidence has been presented that raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depression, has been granted a 70 percent rating for substitution purposes.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for meningitis was denied in January 1964, and the appeal is mixed as it also includes a grant of an increased rating for PTSD prior to December 2016. The Veteran maintains that he should have received a higher rating for his PTSD.

The Veteran's service connection claim for hypothyroidism and the increased rating claim for PTSD prior to May 11, 2018 are both denied.

The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted. The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and the three secondary conditions (erectile dysfunction, mandibular exostosis, and bruxism) are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 50 percent evaluation, effective January 9, 2013.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for major depressive disorder, PTSD, and unstable personality disorder. The evidence did not support a relationship between these conditions and service.

Your initial PTSD disability rating has been increased to 30 percent, effective from March 11, 2014. However, as the appellant died during the appeal process, your claim for a higher rating is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for permanent chronic pain, permanent nerve condition and bowel damage has been dismissed.,Service connection was denied for degenerative arthritis of the neck and spine due to lack of evidence linking current disabilities to service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent disabling prior to January 17, 2017. The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for the Veteran’s PTSD effective June 7, 2012.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 50 percent rating throughout the appeal period, with symptoms including chronic sleep impairment, memory loss, anxiety, and irritability. The Veteran’s bilateral hearing loss remains noncompensable.