PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has determined that remand is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral foot disability, and skin disability due to inadequate medical opinions and outstanding private treatment records.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus, sleep apnea, and PTSD. The effective date for service connection of PTSD prior to November 19, 2013, is denied.,Service connection is granted for basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, a skin rash, hypertension, right lower extremity numbness, tingling, and loss of feeling, left lower extremity numbness, tingling, and loss of feeling, restless leg syndrome of the left lower extremity.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD prior to September 19, 2019 due to the Veteran's symptoms not meeting the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased evaluation of major depressive disorder and service connection for PTSD due to in-service stressors. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the PTSD claim.

The Veteran's left rotator cuff shoulder disability is related to his service-connected low back disability, and the claim for erectile dysfunction is granted as it is associated with his service-connected low back disability. The claims for PTSD and PFB are denied.

The Board has remanded several claims for additional development, including those related to the Veteran's neck disorder, neuropathy of bilateral upper and lower extremities, hip disorder, sleep apnea, right knee surgical scar, traumatic arthritis of the right knee, bilateral hearing loss, lumbar strain with degenerative osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, foot disorders (pes planus, metatarsalgia, hammertoes, hallux valgus, plantar fasciitis, and degenerative joint disease), and psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and IBS made him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the grant of a TDIU effective March 7, 2007.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 100 percent rating for the period prior to May 16, 2015.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, finding that his current symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the VA examination report did not comply with the remand directives and thus, the Veteran's claim must be remanded for another VA examination to determine if his current psychiatric symptoms are related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for SMC benefits based on the need for A&A, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not render him helpless and in need of regular assistance from another person.

The Veteran's service connection for tinnitus is granted, and he receives a 30 percent initial rating for PTSD with secondary major depressive disorder prior to June 15, 2017. A higher rating of 70 percent is granted as of June 15, 2017.

The Board has remanded several issues related to PTSD, peripheral neuropathy ratings, and SMC based on need of aid and attendance. The effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD remains denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and Scoliosis due to a lack of an examination to determine their etiology. The Veteran is presumed to have been in sound condition at entry, but her scoliosis was not noted until after she entered active duty.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to a lack of verified in-service stressors and failure to establish credibility supporting evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened, and the Board found that there is at least an equipoise of evidence to support a finding that his acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and schizophrenia, are related to his active service. The claim has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected PTSD was granted, with the effective date being May 14, 2016. The Board found that the Veteran’s PTSD symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis from March 9, 2010 due to his service-connected PTSD. The effective date is based on the retroactive applicability of VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to his failure to cooperate with VA examinations and provide pertinent records. The claims include PTSD, obstructive sleep apnea, respiratory disability (bronchitis), chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development regarding her claims of service connection for headaches, sleep apnea syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, psoriasis, and chronic fatigue syndrome.,The Board also denied a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD.