PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD, finding that the April 2006 rating decision was final and no new claims were submitted within one year of the intent to file.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information and a need for further development regarding the Veteran's claimed stressor event, as well as obtaining additional medical records. The claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional VA treatment records and service personnel records. The Veteran's cause of death is being considered, but further investigation is required.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied because there is no current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has denied service connection for PTSD and remanded the issue of a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as they were consistent with a 30 percent disability rating.

The Board has decided that another examination is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's PTSD, and his TDIU claim must be deferred pending resolution of his increased rating issue.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, OSA as secondary to PTSD, and increased rating for PTSD is remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and a TDIU is granted for the period prior to May 9, 2016. The appeal regarding an increased rating for PTSD is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU due to insufficient evidence in the record, including a lack of VA treatment records and an updated examination.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a left ankle condition due to new evidence presented by the Veteran during his Travel Board hearing. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased rating for PTSD, service connection for various conditions, and TDIU prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for PTSD and TDIU has been remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and other conditions require regular aid and attendance, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation (SMC).

The Board has remanded the case for a supplemental VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's psychiatric disability is at least as likely as not caused by or related to service, and if so, whether it is aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus and/or peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The TDIU appeal will be deferred until these issues are resolved.

The Board has found clear and unmistakable error in the November 1987 rating decision that denied service connection for PTSD due to aggravation, finding no evidence of pre-existing PTSD not aggravated by service. The effective date is granted as July 9, 1987.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the criteria. The appeal for an increased rating was denied.

The Veteran's PTSD claim is remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA and Workers' Compensation records. The TDIU claim is also part-and-parcel of the increased rating claim on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with alcohol use disorder and unspecified depressive disorder from August 6, 2013 to July 20, 2017 and from December 14, 2017 is dismissed. The issues of ratings for PTSD with alcohol use disorder and unspecified depressive disorder in excess of 50 percent prior to August 6, 2013 and in excess of 70 percent from July 20, 2017 to December 14, 2017, and a TDIU rating from July 20, 2017 to December 14, 2017 are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to February 25, 2014, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.