PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board has expanded the issue to include all diagnosed psychiatric disorders, and remanded for an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions. The Veteran's service includes a reported traumatic event involving shooting someone in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to insufficient verification of the in-service stressor and need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD rating was restored to 70 percent effective September 1, 2016. An earlier effective date of December 3, 2014 for a TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and he received a temporary total evaluation for inpatient care. He was denied an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral lower extremity disabilities and several other conditions, have resulted in a combined rating of 100 percent. The Board has granted SMC benefits at the (r)(1) rate based on his need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities. Additionally, the Veteran is eligible for specially adapted housing as he meets the criteria for loss or use of both lower extremities.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent disabling, and the Board has determined that this rating is not sufficient to warrant a higher evaluation. The Veteran also requested TDIU based on his PTSD, but the evidence does not support an award of TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD was denied as the appropriate effective date is July 2, 2015.

The Veteran's PTSD with panic attacks is rated at 30 percent prior to October 26, 2017 and at 70 percent from that date onwards. The effective date for the higher rating of 70% has been established as October 26, 2017.

The Board has dismissed all the issues related to service connection and rating for various conditions as it does not have jurisdiction due to the legacy appeals process.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and diabetes mellitus were denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service. His claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD was also denied, as the symptoms described did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other unspecified psychiatric disorders, due to lack of credible supporting evidence of the reported in-service personal assault.

Service connection for PTSD with depression is granted. The issues of service connection for left elbow, left knee, right knee, right foot, and right-hand disorders are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to a valid in-service stressor and his diagnosis of PTSD is supported by VA clinical records.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including coronary artery disease with coronary bypass graft, other specified trauma and stressor related disorder (PTSD), bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, lumbar strain, mild muscle weakness in multiple extremities, and embolic stroke residual, were granted effective from March 31, 2016.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has denied a higher rating. The appeal is remanded for further development regarding the issue of TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of claims for low back, neck, and right shoulder disabilities. The acquired psychiatric disorder claim is also remanded for additional medical opinions regarding its etiology.

The Veteran's PTSD with anxiety and depressive disorders is granted a 70 percent disability rating, effective February 9, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development to obtain relevant medical records and determine the appropriate disability ratings and service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Appellant's mental state at the time of his discharge and the relationship between his service-connected conditions and his conduct.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include a back condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.