PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to December 23, 2019.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and/or private treatment records and providing an addendum to the February 2020 medical examination report.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not have PTSD and denied service connection for OSA. The case is being remanded to obtain a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to a pre-decisional error in the duty to assist, specifically regarding the need for regular aid and attendance. The Veteran's service-connected conditions are believed to require care or assistance on a regular basis to protect him from hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment.

The case is being remanded for further development, including clarification of whether the appellant wishes to pursue the claim as a substitute or on an accrued benefits basis.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals. The Board did not find any errors in the decisions.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, major depressive disorder, and adjustment disorder with mixed emotions (depression/anxiety), finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his active duty service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a new examination of the Veteran's PTSD.

The Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is caused by in-service military sexual trauma (MST). The Board has granted service connection for PTSD due to MST.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for dependency benefits based on his marriage to M.J.W. is denied because the evidence does not show a formal or informal claim was filed prior to October 29, 2018.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting evidence regarding whether the Veteran met the diagnostic criteria for a PTSD diagnosis. The VA examiner is asked to provide an addendum opinion, reconcile findings with existing diagnoses of PTSD in the record, and identify any other acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, to include adjustment disorder with depressed mood is granted. The issue of service connection for PTSD is remanded due to conflicting medical opinions.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is now rated at 70% effective from August 16, 2012. The previous rating of 50% remains in effect.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issues of right knee disability, left knee disability, and PTSD. The Veteran is required to undergo further examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his knee disabilities and PTSD.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and readjudication due to procedural errors, lack of proper examinations, and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been found to warrant a 70 percent disability rating, and he is also granted TDIU. The issue of an initial higher rating for cervical disability remains remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development and consideration, including reviewing additional evidence submitted by the Veteran or on his behalf. The rating for PTSD remains under review.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and re-adjudication, including consideration of recent medical examination results.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient opinions regarding service connection for sleep apnea, including whether it is related to PTSD, diabetes, and/or peripheral neuropathy. The Veteran's representative provided additional medical literature that suggests a possible link between PTSD and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted. The Board also remanded the issue of special monthly pension based on aid and attendance or housebound status.