PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disability, specifically his PTSD and depression. The VA is instructed to obtain updated treatment records, verify the in-service stressor, and provide a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for a right hip condition, an acquired psychiatric disability (likely PTSD), and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The Veteran's claim to reopen his claims for bilateral hearing loss and lower back disability was remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 11, 2013 for the award of service connection for PTSD, panic disorder with agoraphobia, and MDD is denied. The Board has also remanded the issues of entitlement to a disability evaluation in excess of 30 percent for service-connected PTSD, panic disorder with agoraphobia, and MDD and entitlement to a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claim for increased disability ratings for PTSD with alcohol dependence is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, particularly right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, hemorrhoids, and acquired psychiatric disorders. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder are currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board found that her symptoms did not meet or approximate the level of impairment required for a higher disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate previous VA examinations and inconsistencies in the Veteran's reported symptoms.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims, including for peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), loss of teeth as a result of Camp Lejeune exposure, type II diabetes mellitus as a result of Camp Lejeune exposure, and a headache disorder. The Veteran's exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune is conceded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals of all issues related to service connection and increased ratings, including bilateral shoulder disability, bilateral hearing loss disability, erectile dysfunction, neurogenic bladder, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression), and dental disorder. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not currently have a disability. The claim for tinnitus is granted based on credible evidence of in-service exposure to loud noises.,Service connection for the deviated septum, right hand pain, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), and sleep disorder are all remanded due to incomplete information and need for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD disability is manifested by total social and occupational impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating for the period from November 21, 2012 to November 29, 2017.

An effective date of October 9, 2014 is granted for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's low back and bilateral knee disabilities are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating of more than 70 percent is not warranted based on the evidence provided.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent, and her urinary incontinence is granted service connection based on being secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia were not incurred or aggravated by service. The Board denied service connection for these conditions as the evidence did not show aggravation of a pre-existing condition during active duty training.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder has been granted a 70 percent rating, and he is also entitled to TDIU. The tinea rashes claim remains pending as the Veteran was not examined for this issue.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right thumb disability has been reopened, and his hearing loss and tinnitus have been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The PTSD claim remains pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and hemorrhoids due to a lack of adequate medical opinions and consideration of all theories of entitlement. The case will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Appellant's character of discharge was insane at the time of his misconduct, which could affect his eligibility for VA benefits other than health care.

The Veteran is entitled to an earlier effective date of April 14, 2008 for a TDIU due to her service-connected disabilities and inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.