PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence and for a new examination. The Veteran's PTSD with depression is being evaluated again, and her TDIU claim is also being considered.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, chronic headaches are granted service connection, and a TDIU is granted. The rating for PTSD remains at 70 percent despite the submission of new evidence. Service connection for HTN was denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his failure to report for VA examinations. The issues include left upper extremity radiculopathy/peripheral neuropathy, cervical spine disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, all secondary to service-connected lumbar strain.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 50 percent rating from December 1, 2016. Ratings for PTSD in excess of 30 percent prior to that date and in excess of 70 percent from July 19, 2019 are denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Appellant's character of discharge was a bar to VA benefits and if he was insane at the time of his misconduct. The case will be further developed with medical examination.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an increased rating to 50 percent effective July 18, 2018. The previous rating of 30 percent was maintained until that date.

The Board has granted a 100 percent rating for the Veteran's PTSD, finding that it causes total occupational and social impairment at all times during the appeal period.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim of service connection for PTSD and has remanded the case for further development, including verification of alleged stressor events in service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities from January 10, 2016 to June 25, 2018, finding that his service-connected conditions did not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to an undiagnosed illness or medically unexplained chronic multisymptoms, including PTSD, sleep apnea, and various physical disabilities. The Veteran is required to provide more details about his stressors and any relevant medical records from SSA.

The Veteran's need for the regular aid and attendance of another person was granted effective April 25, 2020 due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board granted an initial 70 percent rating for PTSD prior to April 20, 2016, finding the evidence at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's symptoms met the criteria for a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for PTSD, alcohol use disorder, low back condition, and bilateral knee condition have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals through his authorized representative.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for PTSD, anxiety and depression, and TBI due to incomplete records. The Veteran's service treatment records and VA treatment records need to be obtained to determine if he sustained an in-service head injury that could lead to a current TBI.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 29, 1998 for the award of a TDIU as he was not service-connected for any disability prior to that date.

The Board has remanded the case due to unresolved issues regarding the Veteran's claimed stressors and exposure, as well as the need for verification of these events.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's PTSD diagnosis and treatment. The Veteran will need to provide additional medical records from his providers, including Drs. Pierce, Messina, Collet, and Davis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, ischemic heart disease, and stroke residuals, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal due to inadequate compliance with prior remand directives. The issues of service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, eye disability, dizziness, and gastrointestinal disability are being remanded for further development.

The claim of service connection for mitral valve replacement is reopened, and the case is remanded for a VA examination to address whether PTSD aggravated the condition. The claim of service connection for tinnitus is also remanded for a VA examination. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD is also remanded, as well as the issue regarding an earlier effective date for the 50% disability rating for PTSD.