PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating for PTSD, service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, and sleep apnea. The RO is to obtain private treatment records and schedule VA examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD rendered him so helpless as to require regular aid and attendance, leading to the grant of SMC based on this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD and lung or respiratory disorder are being remanded for further development. The appeal regarding PTSD was previously remanded, and the Veteran has requested a new rating based on newly submitted evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to his service. The VA examiner is requested to provide an opinion on whether the Veteran's pre-existing mental health conditions clearly and unmistakably did not pre-exist his service or if they are at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and heart palpitations is granted, with an effective date of August 22, 2014.

The Board has remanded the claims due to an inadequate statement of reasons or bases for finding that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD. The VA examiner found no PTSD diagnosis, but treatment records from 2014 and 2015 suggest diagnoses of PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is related to his active duty service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, left upper extremity, and right upper extremity have been denied as his conditions do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for PTSD has also been denied as his symptoms do not more closely approximate occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inconsistencies in medical opinions and need for further examination. The issues include rating TBI prior to June 21, 2016, PTSD with TBI since June 21, 2016, and TDIU prior to June 21, 2016.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome, left lower extremity radiculopathy, PTSD, and left shoulder labral tear.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board has granted TDIU from September 3, 2013 and SMC based on housebound status due to multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted, but his acquired psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder with anxiety and depressed mood) is denied. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms are part of his PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, PTSD, lower back condition, and radiculopathies (sciatica) have been granted. A 100% disability rating has been assigned for CAD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left lower extremity radiculopathy, hypertension, hepatitis C, and PTSD were denied. The case was remanded for additional development.

The Board has vacated the July 16, 2019 decision that granted a 100% rating for PTSD from June 22, 2017 and denied an earlier effective date. The Veteran's PTSD is now rated as 100% since July 15, 2008.

The Board has remanded the claims for low back disability, headaches, and PTSD due to insufficient evidence regarding the claimed in-service events.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for alopecia was denied as there is no current disability.,PTSD was not granted as the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a confirmed diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for service connection of PTSD. As a result, the claim is dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100% rating from April 25, 2018. The Board finds that an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for updated VA examination records. Service connection for any heart disorder and both hand disorders are also remanded as they may be related to service-connected PTSD or other factors.

The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety, has been reopened. The evidence now supports a finding that she likely incurred these conditions during her service in Bahrain, leading to the grant of service connection. Other issues such as sleep apnea, right knee disability, plantar fasciitis, and TDIU have also been addressed.