PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn for certain issues, but his claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) has been reopened and granted. His TDIU claim is also granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence to verify stressor incidents and incomplete medical records. The Veteran will be provided with a VA psychiatric and spine examination, and his claims will be readjudicated.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to October 9, 2014 did not result in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of all remaining issues.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 100% rating for PTSD, effective April 1, 2016. The evidence did not show improvement in the Veteran’s ability to function in ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and readjudication due to new evidence received by VA. The Veteran's claims of a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU are still pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and evaluation of PTSD due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before a decision on the merits may be made regarding the issues of entitlement to higher initial ratings for PTSD, TBI, and an increased rating for left wrist disability. The Veteran was last provided a VA examination relating to his PTSD in April 2010, over nine years ago, relating to his TBI in June 2010, over nine years ago, and relating to his left wrist in March 2013, or six years ago. During the August 2019 Board hearing, the Veteran testified that his service-connected PTSD, TBI, and left wrist disability have increased in severity. In light of the Veteran’s assertions, new VA examinations are required so that the current nature and severity of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities may be determined.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to failure to schedule VA examinations and unclear intent regarding withdrawal of appeal. The Veteran is advised to appear for scheduled examinations.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD with depression was denied as the evidence did not support a backdating of the award.

The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded for an updated examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a link between the veteran's current psychiatric condition and his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examination and need for additional medical records. The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, is not currently service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for an initial evaluation of PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for chronic lumbosacral strain was denied as there were no documents between the final Board decision and June 2, 1997 that could be construed as a formal or informal claim to reopen.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD total disability evaluation was denied because the increase in severity did not occur within one year prior to July 25, 2018.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at a 70 percent since May 24, 2006. The Board found that the Veteran’s symptoms most nearly approximate a 70 percent rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent rating. The Board denied the claim for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal seeking an earlier effective date for the currently assigned 70 percent rating for service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder is dismissed.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been submitted to support the Veteran's claims for service connection of lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, PTSD, bronchial asthma, COPD, bilateral sciatica, and erectile dysfunction. The claims are being remanded due to outstanding VA and private treatment records not having been obtained.

The Veteran's PTSD with TBI did not result in total occupational and social impairment prior to June 19, 2019. The evidence showed that he maintained a girlfriend for several years and had relationships with his family members.