PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board is remanding the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and initial ratings due to procedural issues, including a failure to issue an SOC on these matters. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it relates back to the original claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, as he has continued working full-time despite his PTSD symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing, automobile or adaptive equipment grants, or special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance due to his inability to use both upper extremities effectively.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for his anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified, with PTSD was withdrawn by the Veteran and his representative in December 2019. As a result, the issue is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities include lumbar spine disorder, bilateral hearing loss, PTSD with depression, right foot fractures, and recurrent blepharitis. The Board has found that the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate are met.,The Veteran does not meet the eligibility criteria for a special home adaptation grant due to lack of permanent total disability involving both hands or blindness in both eyes.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and hypertension. The claims are remanded to obtain a VA examination and etiological opinions.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is remanded due to a lack of notification regarding his scheduled VA examination and failure to show up.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess his ability to secure and maintain substantial gainful employment due to service-connected Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD has worsened since his last evaluation in October 2015, and he is no longer employed due to memory loss caused by PTSD. The Board has remanded the case for further development including obtaining VA treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and providing a retroactive medical opinion.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD with bipolar disorder and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and the identification of outstanding treatment records.

Service connection for headaches is granted. The Veteran's headaches are linked to her service-connected PTSD and/or TBI.,Compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for a left shoulder condition, surgical scars, nerve damage, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is denied.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims due to additional medical records being added to the claims file after an August 2017 Supplemental Statement of Case.

The Board has decided that further development is needed for the issues of increased PTSD rating and TDIU, as there are outstanding VA treatment records to be obtained and a new examination is required.

The Board has granted service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depressive Disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are at least as likely as not related to her military service. The decision is based on credible supporting evidence of in-service stressors.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depressive Disorder, is granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's migraine headache disability is not service-connected as it predated and was aggravated by a motor vehicle accident, not related to service.,There is no evidence of PTSD or an acquired psychiatric disability (including depressive disorder) in service. The Veteran has reported symptoms since October 2010 but lacks a current diagnosis.,The Veteran's sleep disorder remains unexplained without further medical evidence.,Bilateral pes planus was not aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, particularly adjustment disorder diagnosed shortly after service. The case will be reviewed again with new medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating of 70 percent should be granted for the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded for a new VA examination and to obtain outstanding treatment records.