PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU are being remanded due to the need to obtain treatment records from his incarceration at Montana State Prison.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's death, and no effective date is assigned as the claim was not decided on merits.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum medical opinion to address whether the Veteran's in-service psychiatric disorders/symptoms aggravated his preexisting substance use disorders, and if so, whether any psychiatric disability caused or contributed to the cause of death.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for several conditions, and the Board dismissed them as a result.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and right hip disability, as well as his TDIU claim, are being remanded due to the need for additional records from Heywood Hospital.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for service connection and to reopen claims related to various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, throat neck tumor, uterine fibroids, anemia, breast leakage, tinnitus, PTSD, pulmonary embolism, brain tumor, eye disability, and hysterectomy.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of June 28, 2007. The Board also found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for SMC based on housebound status or need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted with a 70% rating beginning August 12, 2009. The claim for increased ratings and service connection for other conditions are denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a supplemental VA medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's previously diagnosed psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, primary insomnia, dysthymic disorder, and PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU due to errors in previous decisions, including failing to adequately address whether his acquired psychiatric disability was aggravated by his service-connected right knee degenerative joint disease. The case is now pending further development.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings on his left ankle disability, service connection for right and left leg disabilities, and acquired psychiatric disorder was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for the left ankle sprain or service connection for the right and left leg disabilities. The back and hip conditions were remanded due to insufficient information on their relationship with service. The Veteran's right and left hand disabilities were also remanded as they may be related to congenital defects, but further clarification is needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of a chronic psychiatric disorder during or within one year after service and the preponderance of the evidence fails to establish any etiological relationship between current psychiatric symptoms and service. For the initial rating issue, the Veteran's left middle finger disability was rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and clarification of the medical opinions regarding service connection for back disability, acquired psychiatric disorder, and DIC benefits. The claims are being returned to VA for additional evaluations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service treatment records and outstanding private treatment records. A VA medical opinion is needed to determine if any of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, were incurred in service or caused by an in-service injury.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting further examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent from June 27, 2011 to February 22, 2017.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective February 3, 2020. The evidence does not support a higher rating as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's left femur fracture, PTSD, lumbar spine disability, right knee strain, and left knee strain with limitation of flexion are granted. The Veteran's left foot injury is granted from September 23, 2019.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with earlier remand instructions, specifically regarding suicide attempts during service.

The Board has remanded the claims for a higher rating for PTSD and entitlement to TDIU, as new evidence was submitted since the last supplemental statement of the case.