PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran was hospitalized for a psychiatric evaluation due to service-connected conditions. However, the hospitalization did not exceed 21 days and thus does not meet the criteria for a temporary total evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to withdrawals. The Board has also remanded the claims for TBI, migraine headaches, left knee chondromalacia, right knee chondromalacia, and TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD due to MST. The claim was reopened based on new and material evidence submitted since the April 2012 decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied, and his claims for increased evaluations are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased PTSD rating and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for consideration of additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD is now rated at 70 percent, effective April 24, 2019. The other claims remain pending.

The Veteran's asthma is granted service connection. The claims for PTSD, lumbar spine strain with degenerative disc disease, TBI, migraine headaches, vertigo, and bilateral hearing loss are remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for PTSD and TDIU due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as employment information.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD) and traumatic brain injury were denied because the evidence did not support a causal relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD and for a TDIU based on the need for a new examination to assess his PTSD symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for a 70 percent rating for PTSD and entitlement to TDIU have been granted. The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD has significantly impacted his ability to work, with symptoms affecting most areas of his life.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for PTSD prior to August 9, 2013 is denied.,The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for PTSD since August 9, 2013 is also denied.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD is granted as his symptoms are related to verified combat-related stressors experienced during service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected PTSD. Additional development is required, including obtaining missing Vocational Rehabilitation records and conducting a VA examination by a psychiatrist or psychologist to assess the occupational effects caused by PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in loss of use of a lower extremity, blindness, or full thickness burns. Therefore, he is not eligible for financial assistance for specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as it is related to his service in Vietnam, and the Board found that the evidence supports a grant of service connection for PTSD due to fear of hostile military activity.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, including to determine if the Veteran's headaches are related to or a component of his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evidence regarding whether ambulance transportation on June 24, 2017 was medically required and if a 'medical emergency' existed. The AOJ will obtain relevant records and attempt to secure reimbursement.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a bruised lung has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claim.,The Board has remanded several issues including service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, right leg disorder, right hip disorder, left hip disorder, right knee disorder, and TBI residuals. The motor vehicle accident that allegedly caused these conditions is alleged to have occurred during a period of INACDUTRA.

The Veteran's PTSD rating was restored from 30% to 50%, effective October 1, 2015. The claim for a higher rating prior to April 4, 2019, and thereafter, is denied.