PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disability diagnosed during the appeal period.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death due to PTSD, finding that it did not contribute substantially or materially to his death. The Board also found that the cardiovascular disease and coronary artery disease were not related to his active duty service.

The Board has denied service connection for head injury residuals, PTSD, and left shoulder dislocation due to lack of evidence demonstrating a current disability. The case is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's diabetes is granted as presumptively due to herbicide agent exposure. The hypertension and psychiatric disorders are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for PTSD was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his request for a hearing and did not contest the denial of his claim.

The Board has remanded three issues: entitlement to service connection for PTSD, whether the reduction in the Veteran’s rating for bilateral hearing loss was proper, and TDIU due to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran is also required to provide additional evidence of his outstanding VA and private treatment records related to his claims.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which grants a higher rating than the previously assigned 50 percent. The decision acknowledges that the Veteran has impaired impulse control but does not meet the criteria for total social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an increased rating to 70 percent effective from October 2017, based on symptoms including depression, anxiety, flattened affect, and suicidal ideation.

The Board has found that the Veteran's PTSD symptoms have worsened since his last VA examination, and a new examination is needed to determine an appropriate disability rating. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it requires additional development including obtaining a completed VA Form 21-8940.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in him being housebound or needing regular aid and attendance, independent of his nonservice-connected conditions.

The Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder with panic/major depressive and alcohol use disorders, finding that her symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 100% disability rating due to lack of severe impairment in thought processes or communication.

The Veteran's petition to reopen her service connection claim for PTSD was granted. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD and depressive disorder, is also granted. The appeal regarding the increased rating greater than 20 percent for left patellar tendonitis status post partial meniscectomy is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been withdrawn. The claim of service connection for residuals of mandibular surgery is remanded due to the submission of new and material evidence. The claims for service connection for a back disorder, left upper extremity disorder (carpal tunnel syndrome), right upper extremity disorder (carpal tunnel syndrome), and major depressive disorder are also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus and an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran's tinnitus began during service or was related to her in-service noise exposure, and concluded that her PTSD symptoms more closely approximated those associated with a 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and the RO has granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional medical inquiry into service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD due to MST, and for a higher rating for migraines. The TDIU claim is also on appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety, due to conflicting findings in his medical records. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has remanded the cases for further action due to issues of CUE in previous rating decisions and a request for an earlier effective date for service connection.

The Veteran's cervical strain/neck pain is being remanded for an addendum opinion to address the etiology of his condition, including whether it is related to service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's right foot hallux rigidus and plantar fasciitis are also being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's transport to a VA hospital by ambulance on January 4, 2015 was not medically required and therefore payment or reimbursement for the ambulance fees is denied.