PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors and need for a VA examination.

For the period prior to July 21, 2013, the Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent and denied a higher rating.,Beginning July 21, 2013, the issue of TDIU is moot as the Veteran has a single service-connected disability rated at 100 percent.

The Board has granted the petition to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for PTSD and has determined that new and material evidence was received. The Veteran's PTSD is found to be due to an in-service stressor involving fear of hostile military or terrorist activity.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to a lack of recent VA treatment records and outdated examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted with a 100% rating, effective November 19, 2015. The remaining claims are remanded for further development.

The Board denied reopening of the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The evidence submitted was not considered new and material.

The Veteran's PTSD with persistent depressive disorder is currently rated as 100% disabling, effective July 17, 2017. The Board denied an earlier effective date prior to this date.,Service connection for a right shoulder disability was not granted due to lack of evidence showing the presence of such a condition during service or at any time thereafter.,The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is found to be related to service, and service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a low back disorder and PTSD due to insufficient medical opinions and need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD should be remanded due to the need for a VA psychiatric examination using DSM-5 criteria and verification of in-service stressors.

The Veteran's service-connected dermatitis or eczema is granted. The Veteran's scars, residual of gunshot wound to the left side, are not entitled to a compensable rating. The Veteran is granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. The reduction in hearing loss rating from 20% to 0% is considered void ab initio.

The Board has granted a rating of 70 percent for PTSD prior to February 5, 2016. The remaining issues (service connection for skin cancer and ventral hernia) are remanded.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss claim is denied as she does not have a current disability.,The Veteran’s breast cancer with lumpectomy, including as due to exposure to hazardous materials, and her psychiatric disorder including PTSD (due to military sexual trauma and/or as secondary to breast cancer) claims are remanded for further development.,The Veteran's GERD claim is remanded in conjunction with the breast cancer claim.,The Veteran’s left knee, right knee, left shoulder, right shoulder, cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, left upper extremity condition (secondary to cervical spine condition), and right upper extremity condition (secondary to cervical spine condition) claims are remanded for further development.,The Veteran's left lower extremity and right lower extremity conditions are also remanded in conjunction with the breast cancer claim.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and PTSD have been remanded due to a failure to timely file a notice of disagreement. The AOJ should now issue a Statement of the Case regarding these issues.

The Board has determined that the claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates for lumbar spondylosis and PTSD, as well as the TDIU claim, are inextricably intertwined. Therefore, these issues must be remanded to allow for proper procedural steps.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted TDIU based on this finding.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and burial benefits are remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's appeal regarding entitlement to a TDIU and a rating in excess of 70 percent for service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the timely filing of his Notice of Disagreement (NOD).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and clarification of his claims, particularly regarding his PTSD with alcoholism.

The Board has remanded the issues of increased rating for mechanical low back pain, service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, and TDIU due to unresolved legal or factual questions.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with anxiety, but withdrawn claims of service connection for diverticulitis and inability to swallow.