PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with the mandates of the December 2018 remand order and thus, the claim must be remanded for additional development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Still's disease, bilateral hip avascular necrosis associated with Still's disease, PTSD, and depression. The conditions were not found to be related to service.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to outstanding VA treatment records and incomplete information regarding employment attempts. The Veteran is asked to provide medical records, financial details, and job application information.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted. The TDIU claim from May 1, 2008, is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's PTSD is related to an in-service stressor. The Veteran must undergo a VA examination to determine if he currently suffers from PTSD and whether it is related to his service.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for a lung disability, an acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder and PTSD), an alcohol use disorder, a kidney disability, and a heart disability are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding their etiology. The lung disability is presumed related to herbicide exposure. Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II has been granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is granted service connection. The right ankle disability claim is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. A new VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his service.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder with PTSD has been granted a 100% rating since July 7, 2003. Basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits is also granted as of that date. The earlier effective date for TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 70% rating, effective April 22, 2020. The Veteran’s painful left thumb scar remains at a 10% rating. Service connection for the back disability and substance use disorder secondary to PTSD are granted. The Board remanded service connection claims for left shoulder condition, right shoulder condition, and musculoskeletal pain.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD as there was no confirmed in-service stressor event and the Veteran did not experience, witness or confront an event or circumstance that involved actual death or injury within the meaning of the regulation. The Veteran's lay testimony alone is not sufficient to establish a valid PTSD diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a spine disability and PTSD, as well as the rating for bilateral hearing loss due to incomplete development and lack of medical opinions.

The reduction of the disability rating for headaches from 30% to 0% was improper, and the 30% evaluation is restored.,The reduction of the disability rating for PTSD from 70% to 50% was improper, and the 70% evaluation is restored.,TDIU remains remanded as further evidence or clarification is needed.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to be less than the required level for a higher rating, and his TDIU claim prior to August 23, 2016, was also denied.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a skin disorder, and a psychiatric disorder. The evidence does not support the Veteran's claims that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD was dismissed because the Veteran withdrew his claim prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim for service connection for anxiety disorder is granted. The Board also remanded issues related to TBI and PTSD.

The Board has ordered the VA to obtain updated clinical records and the Veteran's complete VA Vocational Rehabilitation file. Additionally, they requested a new opinion from a clinician regarding whether the Veteran’s psychiatric disorders had their onset in service or are otherwise related to a disease or injury in service.

The Board has remanded the appeals for service connection due to a mailing error of the Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC). The SSOC was sent to an incorrect address, and the Veteran needs to be provided with the correct version at his current address.

The Board dismissed all appeals due to the Veteran's death, as it has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims at this time.