PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and a left ankle disability. The claims are being remanded due to insufficient evidence to determine if these conditions are related to service, particularly her left ankle disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD with alcohol dependence, to include as due to MST, and TDIU are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, DMII, glaucoma of the left eye, bilateral tinnitus, and right ear hearing loss, render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30 percent prior to September 29, 2017. As of that date, the rating was increased to 50 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for increased disability ratings for PTSD and ACD was denied. The decision did not address the service connection theory, exposure basis, or Pact Act considerations.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including verifying the Veteran's claimed personal assault stressor and obtaining medical opinions regarding his diagnoses and service connection claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD and a 70 percent evaluation is inextricably intertwined with his TDIU claim. The case is therefore being remanded to allow the RO to issue a Statement of the Case on these issues.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability and psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine if his current conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of August 22, 2016. The Board found that the original claim was received on December 29, 2015 and that the diagnosis of PTSD had been established by October 2016, which is considered to be the earliest date for service connection.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision. The case is dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for psychiatric, left hip, and left foot disabilities due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran must provide VA with private healthcare provider records and VA treatment records after May 2019. A VA examination is needed to determine if any of these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has ordered a remand to assess whether his condition warrants an increased rating. The TDIU claim is also being remanded due to its connection with the PTSD rating issue.

The Board denied attorney fees as the Veteran did not file an NOD for the service connection claims in December 2016 and March 2017 rating decisions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to insufficient medical evidence on file. The issues include service connection for PTSD and alcohol abuse disorder, right knee condition, left knee condition, and sleep apnea.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is remanded due to lack of substantial compliance with previous directives.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression has been granted a 100% disability rating for the entire appeal period, effective from January 28, 2012. The right foot Morton’s neuroma remains at a 10% initial disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected as it is at least in equipoise with the evidence, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the case must be remanded to address issues related to effective dates for service connection and evaluation of PTSD.