PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, right and left carpal tunnel syndrome due to potential errors in previous decisions. The AOJ is instructed to provide proper VCAA notice regarding the PTSD claim based on alleged personal assault/harassment and obtain relevant SSA records.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral knee disability, an acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD and major depressive disorder, and a right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for a clear medical opinion addressing his overall employment capability in light of his service-connected disabilities, and as separate from non-service-connected factors.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for cervical spine disability and PTSD due to incomplete records, conflicting opinions, and need for additional examination.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, tinnitus, and hearing loss do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD and bipolar disorder with OCD were rated at 70 percent prior to August 8, 2016. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. From August 8, 2016, the Veteran was diagnosed with bipolar disorder with severe anxious distress, PTSD with panic attacks, and OCD with focused repetitive behavior. The Board remanded these issues due to conflicting diagnoses.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder. The VA is instructed to obtain an addendum VA medical opinion and provide a detailed explanation for any opinions provided.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee disability, left knee disability, and PTSD due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD claimed as due to military sexual trauma (MST), due to outstanding records and need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent rating prior to November 19, 2019. The symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings are denied. The Board finds that the evidence supports a 100% rating from September 25, 2015, but no earlier. The Veteran's TBI, lower back disability, and wrist conditions are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and PTSD have rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU rating.

An initial 50 percent rating for PTSD prior to August 30, 2015 is granted.,A higher than 70 percent rating for PTSD from February 28, 2020 is denied. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination regarding the Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance. The AOJ is instructed to schedule a new VA Aid and Attendance examination to determine if the Veteran requires assistance from another person due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim for a determination as to whether the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU, including on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher evaluation of his low back disability is denied as there are no findings of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.,The Veteran's PTSD claim is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess current symptoms and severity.,The Veteran's claim for diffuse muscle and joint pain is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to determine etiology.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD are currently rated at 70 percent prior to August 26, 2016.,A higher rating is warranted for the period before August 26, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and TDIU is being remanded due to the submission of additional VA treatment records since November 2019. The AOJ must address these new records in their first instance.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but no higher. The appeal for an effective date prior to January 29, 2004 for CAD and the TDIU claim are pending.

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder have been rated at 50 percent since October 21, 2013. The Board finds that additional development is needed due to the lack of recent VA treatment records and a recent examination.