PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has decided that the Veteran's hypertension, which is linked to his service-connected PTSD, should be remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining SSA records and VA medical records. The issues of service connection for PTSD and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are also on appeal.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for PTSD and/or major depressive disorder due to new evidence received since the June 2012 rating decision. The Board also granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his active service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD is remanded, and the AOJ must review all new evidence added to the record since the June 2016 SOC.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's daughter, K.J., is granted helpless child benefits on the basis of permanent incapacity for self-support before attaining the age of 18.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a head injury due to new evidence submitted, but it remains remanded for further development.,The Veteran’s acquired psychiatric disabilities are also remanded as they may be related to his service-connected plantar wart.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development and readjudication, including obtaining a VA examination to address the functional loss of his lumbar spine on both active and passive motion, as well as in weight bearing and non-weight bearing positions. The examiner must also assess whether the Veteran experiences additional functional loss during flare-ups or after repeated use over time.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate consideration of a verified in-service stressor and the need for additional development regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD are remanded due to the need for readjudication with consideration of an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU has been remanded due to the inadequacy of the previous VA examination. The examiner is requested to provide more detailed information about the frequency, severity, and duration of suicidal ideation.

The Veteran's COPD and bladder cancer are not related to service, as there is no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after service. The Board finds that the Veteran has not provided sufficient medical evidence to support a direct relationship between his current disabilities and service.,PTSD was granted based on the Veteran's reported stressors in Vietnam, with the VA psychiatrist confirming the diagnosis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, right knee disability, and hiatal hernia, make it impossible for him to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as his current disability of PTSD was caused by a stressor that occurred during his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, major depressive disorder, substance abuse disorder, and skin disability are all granted. The skin disability is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for HIV and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and a depressive disorder NOS with features of PTSD, has been reopened and granted.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's PTSD claim, including a new VA examination and consideration of his TDIU claim. The case is being remanded to allow for these steps.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board denied an increased rating and TDIU claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease, PTSD with chronic and severe major depression, and prostate cancer, rendered him unable to engage in substantially gainful employment from April 15, 2014 to April 18, 2019. His claim for TDIU is granted during this period. For the period after April 18, 2019, his disability rating was 100%, making a separate TDIU claim moot.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent prior to July 12, 2016 and 70 percent from July 12, 2016 onwards. The Veteran was granted a compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss. Service connection was established for the lumbar spine disorder as secondary to PTSD with depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent prior to March 12, 2016 and denied a higher rating.,The Veteran's CAD was rated at 60 percent and denied an increased rating in excess of 60 percent.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 40 percent from March 22, 2016 onwards and denied an increased rating.