PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has reinstated service connection for PTSD and granted entitlement to a TDIU based on the Veteran's multiple service-connected disabilities preventing her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. Service connection for PTSD, left calf muscle condition, and both knee disabilities were denied.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance of another person is remanded due to inconsistencies in VA examination reports and treatment records, as well as a failure to obtain all relevant VA treatment records from Tucson and Prescott.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate opinion regarding whether the Veteran's GERD is caused or aggravated by his PTSD, including medications taken for such disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for migraine headaches and an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD, adjustment disorder with depressed mood, poly-substance use disorder, and traumatic brain injury) have been denied because the Veteran failed to report for scheduled VA examinations in 2019 without providing good cause.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in fulfilling VA's duty to assist, specifically regarding verifying the Veteran's reported stressors and providing a VA examination for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the character of discharge from service is a bar to VA compensation benefits, but will consider if the Appellant was insane at the time of misconduct and if his psychiatric symptoms contributed to the misconduct. The case is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the establishment of service connection for PTSD was denied.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100% disability rating for PTSD was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent rating, effective from June 13, 2016. The appeal for service connection for fibromyalgia has been withdrawn. The Board remanded the issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a left leg disability have been reopened, but the Board has determined that further development is needed due to ambiguity in the diagnoses and potential associations with other conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a left foot disability due to incomplete evaluations and the need for further medical opinions.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30% prior to July 21, 2019 and denied a higher rating. From July 21, 2019 onwards, the Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70%, which is also denied. The Veteran has been granted service connection for tinnitus, depression, and an acquired psychiatric disorder manifested by addiction and substance abuse.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and inadequate examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease is granted. The appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and diabetes mellitus due to potential in-service emotional injury, lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives, and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD, but the issues of service connection for duodenal ulcer and increased ratings for left-hand residuals prior to October 23, 2019 are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of PTSD was not timely, and the issue is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome, both secondary to his service-connected PTSD, are remanded due to insufficient opinions regarding aggravation.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 50 percent prior to November 8, 2019, and at a 70 percent thereafter. The rating was granted based on the severity of his symptoms as determined by a VA examination conducted in November 2019.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to outstanding private and VA treatment records, incomplete employment information, and the need for examinations regarding his service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities and upper extremity neuropathies.