PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent disabling for PTSD and for an effective date prior to June 4, 2015, are dismissed due to the Veteran's passing.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to May 14, 2014. As of May 14, 2014, a 70 percent rating for PTSD is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the examiner's opinions regarding the onset and aggravation of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and MDD, is now service-connected.

The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD was granted at 70 percent, but the Board found that it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The case is remanded to determine if the Veteran qualifies for TDIU.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, finding that the Veteran did not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and that his major depressive disorder was not related to military service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of medical expenses from February 15 to February 20, 2013, at Orange Park Medical Center is remanded due to a lack of timely filing and missing records. The matter will be reconsidered based on the applicable provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1728 and 38 C.F.R. §§ 17.120-32.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is secondary to his service-connected allergic rhinitis and PTSD. The VA must obtain an addendum medical opinion addressing these issues.

The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU rating is granted, and the appeals for earlier effective date for an increased rating for bilateral cataracts and residuals of a right eye detached retina are dismissed. The appeal for an increased rating for service-connected an eye condition (to include bilateral cataracts with detached retina, right eye) is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a right hip disability, left hip disability, and psychiatric condition (to include PTSD) due to incomplete development of evidence and inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and PTSD, has been reopened. The Board found that the evidence supports a finding of service connection for both conditions due to their relationship with his service-connected traumatic brain injury (TBI).

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, characterized as PTSD, is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating due to the Veteran's symptoms not meeting the criteria for a 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent rating, but no higher, prior to April 12, 2019. The claim for a higher rating is denied.

The case is on appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability (TDIU). The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including providing the Veteran with another VA Form 21-8940 and scheduling him for an appropriate VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a new VA examination and additional private treatment records, as well as clarification of diagnoses.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including recurrent major depressive disorder and PTSD, is at least as likely as not related to his military service. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance is granted, as the evidence shows he requires regular aid and assistance due to his service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's claim for restoration of a 50 percent rating for bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis with heel spurs from February 22, 2018 is granted, as the reduction was improper based on the evidence showing no actual improvement in his disability.,The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation for loss of use of the right hand is remanded due to a potential misinterpretation of the regulations.

The Board has remanded the claims for type II diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative disorders (ALS and PSP), and acquired psychological disorder (PTSD and depression) due to inadequate rationale in previous VA medical opinions. The claims are now pending again with the Board.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for bilateral cataracts is denied as the evidence does not show that the disability began prior to April 10, 2012.,The claims of entitlement to service connection for residuals of a left rib injury and bilateral hearing loss have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The appeals are granted to this extent only.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including panic disorder with agoraphobia, insomnia disorder, unspecified depressive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder, is rated at 70 percent. The appeal for a higher rating has been denied.