PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for PTSD, also claimed as paranoid schizophrenia and depression with nightmares is granted. The appeal regarding the increased rating for lumbar strain is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and any other psychological disability, including an anxiety disorder, and depression using the DSM-V criteria. The examiner must consider the Veteran's in-service experiences and provide opinions on whether his PTSD is based upon conceded stressors.

The Veteran's service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted, and a 70 percent rating for his service-connected mental disorders (including depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and other service-connected mental disorders) is granted effective as of May 4, 2007.

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with its August 2019 remand directives and requires another VA examination to determine the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder with alcohol dependence and his Parkinson's disease, as well as the impact of these conditions on his ability to work.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an examination to determine the etiology of his right hand disability. The increased rating claim for PTSD remains denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 10 percent prior to August 31, 2015 and denied for a higher rating.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent and denied for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, cervical spine disability, right hip arthritis, left hip arthritis, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and a depressive disorder), right knee disability, and left knee disability have been granted. The claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities are still pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to his in-service stressors, and thus service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board has dismissed all issues of appeal related to the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, PTSD and depression, and TDIU.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) as there is no current diagnosis of such condition proximate to or during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied as there was no new and material evidence received within one year of the January 2008 rating decision, which became final. The earliest effective date assigned is December 29, 2008.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran is also seeking service connection for a left shoulder disability, which remains in dispute.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The AOJ is directed to arrange for additional VA examinations to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including his heart palpitations, and their impact on his occupation as a counselor at a juvenile treatment center.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence being added to the claims file, and the Veteran was not given a chance to respond. The case will be reviewed by the AOJ with this additional information.

The appeal for a higher disability rating of PTSD from April 19, 2017 is dismissed. The claim for service connection of CVA secondary to hypertension is remanded.

The Veteran requested to withdraw their appeal, and the Board has dismissed it as a result.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of 70 percent for PTSD was dismissed as he requested withdrawal prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations. The appeal to increase this rating is denied.,New evidence has been added to the record that suggests a possible positive nexus between the Veteran’s stomach disability and her military service. As such, the claim for service connection of the stomach disability is granted as new and material evidence has been received.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities (PTSD and other specified depressive disorder and other specified trauma- and stressor-related disorder) are reopened due to new evidence that suggests a possible positive nexus between her current diagnoses and military service. The claim for service connection of the acquired psychiatric disability is granted as new and material evidence has been received.,The Veteran's right knee disability is remanded for further examination and rating consideration.,The Veteran's left knee disability is remanded for further examination and rating consideration.,The Veteran's stomach disability (likely GERD) is remanded to determine if it is related to service, specifically the November 1981 diagnosis of mild gastroenteritis or a report of coughing up blood during service.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities are remanded for further examination and rating consideration. The examiner must also consider whether her PTSD is related to an in-service personal assault.,The Veteran's low back disability is remanded for further examination and rating consideration.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds no evidence of insulin or oral hypoglycemic agent use. The claims for ischemic heart disease and hypertension are remanded due to lack of medical records. Service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder remains pending.