PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was denied, as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability was denied, as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's IBS may be related to her PTSD, and a new VA examination is needed to determine this relationship.

The Veteran's appeal regarding an earlier effective date for the assignment of a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is dismissed as no justiciable case or controversy remains. The earliest possible effective date for the TDIU was granted in July 31, 2009.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The case is returned to the VA examiner who completed the November 2017 report for issuance of an addendum medical opinion addressing whether the Veteran's pre-service psychiatric disorders clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service and were not aggravated by military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a low back disability due to his failure to cooperate and report for a necessary VA examination. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD, anxiety, and bipolar disorder) was also denied because there is no evidence of current diagnoses within the appellate period.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and severe depression was reopened, and the appeal is granted. The case is remanded to obtain verification of stressors and conduct a VA examination.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for extraschedular consideration due to the complexity of his case and the need for a decision by the Director, Compensation Service.

The Veteran's tinnitus and PTSD have been granted service connection, with a 30 percent rating for migraine headaches.,Insomnia has also been granted as service-connected but the Veteran is seeking an increased rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating of more than 50 percent is not warranted based on the severity, frequency, and duration of his symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Hepatitis C has been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that he contracted the condition during active duty or due to in-service exposure. The Board found that his current Hepatitis C is more likely related to his use of intravenous drugs after separation from service.,The Veteran's PTSD claim due to personal assault was remanded for further examination and opinion as the VA examiner did not adequately address the in-service markers for a personal assault.

The Veteran's right rotator cuff injury, limitation of motion of the right knee, and left ankle sprain are all granted service connection. The psychiatric disorder is denied service connection, but the claim for a left shoulder condition is not addressed as it lacks current disability evidence.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded due to insufficient evidence of current symptomatology.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD, effective from the date of the decision. The appeal was not about service connection but rather a request to increase the existing rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a low back condition, and a left leg disability (sciatica). The claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and opinion regarding these conditions.

PTSD was initially rated at 50% from January 12, 2011 and increased to 70% effective January 12, 2011. The Veteran is now granted a 100% rating for PTSD beginning November 25, 2019.,Prostate Cancer was initially rated at 100% from January 12, 2011 and reduced to noncompensable effective June 24, 2012. The Veteran is now granted a 60% rating for prostate cancer beginning January 9, 2016.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate compliance with prior remand directives. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and tension headaches are being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD, GAD, and MDD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating from June 28, 2015 to February 10, 2016.,From February 10, 2016 to March 25, 2019, the Veteran's PTSD, GAD, and MDD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

Your appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his bilateral eye disability, acquired psychiatric disorder, and Barrett’s esophagus. The issues of service connection will be reconsidered based on the new evidence provided.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination for his dermatitis and for additional evidence related to his PTSD claim.