PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and thus grants entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and entitlement to a TDIU due to incomplete consideration of new evidence, including VA treatment records and lay statements. A new VA psychiatric examination is required.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, COPD, back disorder, heart disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and TDIU are being remanded for further development.,VA treatment records from January 2018 need to be obtained.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee disability, right knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, headaches, psychiatric disorder (including depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder), and PTSD is granted. The claims are based on aggravation of pre-existing conditions during military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for further examination. The Veteran's mental health history will be reviewed, including any private treatment records from his psychologist.

The Board has granted the Veteran's appeals for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and low back injury residuals, effective April 25, 2016. The earlier effective dates for these conditions are being remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination to assess her employability given her service-connected disabilities prior to April 29, 2019.

The Board has remanded the claims for thoracic outlet syndrome and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety, due to insufficient evidence in some cases. The Veteran's TOS may have preexisted service but was not aggravated by it. The MST claim is also being addressed.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of PTSD, TDIU, and hearing loss. The AOJ must obtain medical records, complete forms, and schedule a VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA and private medical records, as well as for a reexamination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the 70 percent rating for PTSD was denied.,The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted, effective from May 4, 2019.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder, service connection for OSA, and TDIU due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that his symptoms are related to his military service and he meets all three elements of a valid PTSD claim.

The Veteran's appeal is about getting a higher initial rating for his service-connected PTSD. The Board has decided to remand the case because it needs more information from VA treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted an initial rating of 70 percent, but no higher. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU is remanded due to lack of information.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. However, the case is remanded as a new VA examination is needed to clarify whether any current psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, but not higher. The issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an abdominal scar, acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD, depression, and anxiety), and COPD due to conflicting evidence and lack of verification of claimed stressors.

The appeal to reopen a claim for service connection for PTSD is granted. Entitlement to service connection for bilateral tinnitus and hypertension is granted, while entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as schizophrenia or depression) is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the Appellant's mental state at the time of his misconduct leading to his discharge. The claim will be reconsidered after this additional development.