PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient examination report and incomplete medical records. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, is being reviewed for service connection.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims related to Bell’s palsy, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, lumbar strain, hypertension, and PTSD with major depressive episode. The Veteran's preexisting conditions are being evaluated for any permanent worsening during his periods of service.

The Veteran's PTSD was previously rated at 30 percent, and the AOJ increased it to 70 percent effective May 6, 2013. The TDIU claim remains on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) since March 30, 2017 was dismissed as moot because he is receiving the maximum benefits allowed under applicable statutes and regulations. The claim of entitlement to a TDIU prior to March 30, 2017 was denied due to his service-connected disabilities not being severe enough to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression and PTSD. The Board found that there was no evidence of a diagnosed PTSD based on verified in-service stressors and concluded that the Veteran did not meet the full diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD and lung disability were denied ratings higher than the currently assigned ones. The Board found that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, with no total occupational or social impairment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service. The Veteran will need to undergo VA examinations and provide updated medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection claims, particularly for PTSD and other psychiatric conditions related to military sexual trauma.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum rating available.,Left wrist osteoarthritis has been granted service connection.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,Service connection for tinnitus is denied as the evidence does not support a current diagnosis or link to service.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, claimed as PTSD, is denied due to lack of credible evidence linking it to service.,The Veteran's claim for a respiratory condition is denied without sufficient evidence.,Right knee osteoarthritis is also denied.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further consideration due to insufficient recent medical evidence and the need for updated VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, finding that there was no current diagnosis of such disorders in the medical records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and the need for a new examination. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, but he claims it should be evaluated higher.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded due to inadequate examinations, missing VA examination records, and new treatment records.

The Board has remanded multiple issues for further development, including service connection claims and rating determinations. The Veteran's claims are being returned to the AOJ for additional development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to new evidence submitted, but the case is still remanded as there are insufficient facts to establish a stressor related to his claimed in-service sexual assault.

The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) based on verified combat exposure during service, with a diagnosis provided by VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for higher PTSD rating, service connection for lumbosacral spine disorder, and neurological disorders in the lower extremities are remanded due to need for additional medical examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and as secondary to his service-connected asbestosis. The Board found that there was no evidence linking the current psychiatric disabilities to in-service occurrences or to his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, and his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is denied.