PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records and scheduling a new examination.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for lumbosacral spine strain and PTSD were denied. The rating for lumbosacral spine strain remains at 20%, while the rating for PTSD is maintained at 70%. Both conditions are rated based on their direct service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for VR&E benefits as he is successfully pursuing a Juris Doctor degree and has transferable skills that make him suitable for employment.

The Board has granted service connection for COPD, but denied service connection for skin cancer and PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since February 22, 2016.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for an increased rating for posttraumatic stress disorder and service connection for a kidney disability due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his acquired psychiatric condition, including major depressive disorder with anxious distress, opioid and cocaine use disorder, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, right knee chondromalacia of the patella, and sleep apnea (also claimed as sleep disorder, jerking and restlessness) is remanded.,An effective date earlier than September 26, 2011 for the grant of service connection for PTSD is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and prostate cancer disabilities have prevented him from securing or following any substantial gainful employment for the period from January 25, 2011 to September 5, 2013. The Board has granted a TDIU rating during this time.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination. The Veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD, depression, and other acquired psychiatric disorders related to in-service personal assault.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and effective dates for his service-connected acquired psychiatric disability are being remanded due to missing documents. The Board also notes that additional development is needed regarding the etiology of any other acquired psychiatric disabilities, including as secondary to PTSD.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, needs to be remanded due to incomplete in-service records and the need for a supplemental VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has ordered a new examination to determine if his condition warrants a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a heart condition due to incomplete development of the record.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD is being remanded due to a previous CUE determination. The Board will now address whether there was CUE in the October 2007 rating decision.

The Veteran's claims for VR&E benefits, including retroactive payment for education expenses and outside of the United States services, were denied as he did not meet eligibility criteria due to lack of employment handicap and refusal of employment services.

The Veteran's PTSD disability remains rated at 30 percent, effective December 2, 2014. The left shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at a 50 percent disability rating prior to July 4, 2016.,From July 4, 2016 to January 31, 2017, the Veteran's PTSD warranted a 70 percent disability rating.,After January 31, 2017, the Veteran's PTSD did not warrant a higher than 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher rating for PTSD before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for PTSD, so the case is dismissed.