PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol dependence and marijuana abuse is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher rating is warranted. The case is being remanded for further examination to determine if there are any symptoms or impacts on functioning due to service-connected PTSD that cannot be distinguished from those due to other causes.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous directives and the need for clarification of the examiner's rationale regarding the Veteran's reported stressors and the resolution of his PTSD diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the in-service stressor and the relationship between the claimed psychiatric conditions and service. The appellant's current diagnoses of major depressive disorder and PTSD need to be verified, and a VA examination is required to determine if these conditions are related to his service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, due to new medical opinions submitted since the final July 2007 rating decision.,The Board also remanded the claim of entitlement to service connection for GERD as it is unclear whether there are missing service treatment records.

The Veteran's left hip disability was not incurred in or due to his time in service, and is denied.,PTSD does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent. The claim is denied.,Back disability did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to March 5, 2019 or 20 percent thereafter from that date. The claim is denied.,Right lower extremity radiculopathy was not rated higher than 10 percent prior to March 5, 2019 and granted a rating of 20 percent thereafter. The claim is partially granted.,Left lower extremity radiculopathy was not rated higher than 10 percent prior to March 5, 2019 and granted a rating of 20 percent thereafter. The claim is partially granted.,GERD did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent. The claim is denied.,Left knee disability did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent. The claim is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inaccurate factual premise in a previous VA examiner's opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood. The claim is now being sent back for further evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal at this time.

The Board has ordered a remand to verify the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors for PTSD. The matter is being returned to VA for further development.

Your appeals for service connection on various conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to proceed with these matters.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection, but his hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) and other conditions are denied. The Board has remanded for further review of the remaining issues.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for migraine headaches, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and PTSD have been denied. The Veteran was granted a TDIU effective October 1, 2018.,The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for migraine headaches or 40 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine due to failure to report for scheduled VA examinations. The Veteran's PTSD was rated as 70 percent disabling, but denied an increased rating.

The Veteran's MDD with PTSD was granted a rating of 70 percent prior to May 26, 2009 and denied any higher rating thereafter. A TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities was also granted.

Service connection for PTSD is granted. The Veteran's left shoulder condition and coronary artery disease are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board has remanded his claims for service connection of back and knee disorders due to insufficient evidence. The current rating does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus, type II (DM) was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating.,The Veteran's previously denied claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened due to new and material evidence provided by his wife.

The Board has granted entitlement to TDIU prior to April 23, 2019. The claim for service connection for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is remanded due to inadequate opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent disabling prior to February 13, 2018. The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and found that a TDIU based solely on service-connected PTSD from July 30, 2009 to February 13, 2018 is granted.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted since April 6, 2020. The hearing loss and perforated eardrum claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for PTSD and thoracic spine degenerative arthritis have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of the appeal by the Veteran’s attorney.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination to assess the Veteran's ability to work.