PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to have contributed substantially or materially to his death from bladder cancer. The appeal for DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 and death pension benefits are dismissed as the greater benefit of service connection for cause of death has been awarded.

The Veteran's cause of death was not caused by a service-connected disability, as the Board found no evidence linking his psychiatric conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for PTSD was dismissed because the Veteran and his representative withdrew their appeal, satisfied with a 70% rating already granted in June 2018.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral knee and right hip disabilities, finding that they are secondary to a previously service-connected low back disability.,Service connection for PTSD and a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD have been denied due to lack of verified stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent prior to December 30, 2017. The Board denied a higher rating as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 100% disability rating due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and PTSD, has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and denied entitlement to TDIU, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including dental disorders and PTSD, were denied. The Board found no evidence of a qualifying dental disorder or current disability for the claimed conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an increased rating to 70 percent, effective July 17, 2014. The TDIU claim was denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, is denied as there is no established link between these conditions and service.

The Board has vacated its January 31, 2019 remand on the matter of entitlement to service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death due to lack of participation in VA's RAMP program. The case is now REMANDED for further action.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims due to a failure to comply with the duty to assist in obtaining VA medical records. The AOJ is instructed to obtain all outstanding VA treatment records and schedule the Veteran for examinations to address his current conditions, including headaches, skin condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disabilities have prevented him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment since at least March 6, 2012. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for this period.

The Veteran's request to reopen his service connection claim for PTSD was granted, and the Board found that he has a current diagnosis of PTSD related to an in-service stressor. The claim is now considered substantiated.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and an examination to assess his ability to work.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD limits him to no more than marginal employment, preventing him from securing and following substantially gainful employment prior to April 11, 1994. A TDIU is granted as of November 17, 1981.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical neck condition, low back condition, and degenerative arthritis due to outstanding records not being associated with his electronic file.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD and GAD resulted in occupational and social impairment, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating. The Board found no evidence of total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hip disability was denied in June 2012, and no new and material evidence has been received since then. The claims for increased ratings of degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy of the lower extremities (right and left), and PTSD have all been granted. A TDIU is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia and PTSD, is reopened. The appeal is granted in part.