PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded four claims: PTSD, left knee internal derangement, skin disorder, and TDIU. The Veteran's PTSD may have worsened since the last examination in November 2016, and VA treatment records indicate moderately severe depression and very severe PTSD symptoms. Remand is also requested for obtaining private psychological treatment records and pertinent private medical records from Florida Sports and Spinal Rehab.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the in-service stressor for PTSD and the need for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD, left shoulder disorder, and lumbar spine disorder were denied. The claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was denied as the evidence did not show that his symptoms more nearly approximated those required for a 100 percent rating.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for residuals of low back surgery prior to December 9, 2016 and from December 9, 2016 was denied. The evidence showed that the Veteran did not have unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes as required for a higher rating.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service connected. The issues of service connection for acquired mental health condition and migraine headaches are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, finding that the Veteran's stressors are consistent with his in-service experiences and circumstances. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating prior to December 22, 2017. After that date, the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence for two reported stressors related to PTSD. Further development, including obtaining criminal proceeding records regarding a rape incident and additional unit records, is needed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for an updated examination of the Veteran's PTSD, as his condition may have worsened. The VA will obtain and review additional treatment records and schedule a new examination.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD from May 8, 2013 to September 20, 2017. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for PTSD with associated depressive disorder was denied. A separate 70% disability rating is granted as of March 11, 2020.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete verification of in-service stressors and for a VA examination. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU are also being remanded.

The Board has granted a higher rating of 50 percent for the Veteran's PTSD, which causes occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD, but the increased rating claim for PTSD is remanded.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding service connection for tinnitus and increased ratings for several knee and hip conditions. The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's request for withdrawal.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to procedural issues and the need for additional development, including a new VA examination of the Veteran's PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate with alcohol use disorder mild is granted a disability rating of 70 percent effective February 24, 2010.

The Veteran seeks an effective date earlier than May 28, 2015 for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The Board finds that the November 2013 rating decision denying service connection was final and that a new claim to reopen was filed on May 28, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran is found to be so helpless as to need regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation.