PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Board has decided to remand both the service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and the SMC based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status claims due to insufficient opinions regarding all diagnosed conditions during the appeal period.

The Veteran's PTSD with anxiety and depression resulted in occupational and social impairment, but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The case is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, previously claimed as PTSD and major depression, has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The case is remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD and DDD claims are remanded for additional development. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a shrapnel wound to the low back has been reopened and is granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a shrapnel wound to the upper back was denied.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but not total social and occupational impairment. The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD throughout the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 50 percent rating from March 29, 2011 to October 26, 2016.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective April 23, 2013. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for left hand joint pain and right hand joint pain have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal during a hearing before the undersigned.,Service connection has been granted for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, cervical spine, headaches, and PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and has remanded the remaining issues due to lack of STRs and need for further examinations.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a psychiatric disorder, but remanded to obtain additional evidence and conduct further examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected due to in-service combat stressors.,The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine with dextroscoliosis is granted as service-connected based on a period of ACDUTRA in December 1987.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service. The decision resolves all doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has denied service connection for a cervical spine disorder and remanded the issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and depression) and hypertension. The neck condition is not related to service, while there is evidence suggesting a possible link between the psychiatric disorders and service exposure.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD, right and left ear hearing loss, residuals of a left fifth finger injury, and nose fracture residuals is being remanded due to the need for further evaluation and evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating for PTSD, service connection for right shoulder strain, degenerative arthritis of the right elbow and cervical spine, and right hip strain. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is intertwined with these issues.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted effective from September 21, 2011. The claims of service connection for a cervical spine disability and hypertension are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD and left knee instability have been granted initial disability ratings, with the PTSD rated at 70 percent from May 15, 2012.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent disabling, resulting in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has remanded the claims for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and TDIU due to the need to update VA treatment records and provide another VA examination.