PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's death certificate shows he passed away in April 2020. There was no pending claim at the time of his death, so there are no possible accrued benefits that could be paid to the appellant.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, right hip, and psychiatric disorders (including PTSD) due to incomplete records and need for further medical examination.

The Veteran's death from esophageal cancer is now considered service-connected due to the combination of his service-connected PTSD and DMII, which substantially contributed to his condition.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance is remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's timely filed Notice of Disagreement (NOD) to the January 2018 rating decision denying an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is accepted. The appeal is granted.

The Board denied the claim for service connection of PTSD as there was no medical nexus linking the diagnosed PTSD to a confirmed in-service stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and prostate cancer residuals are all granted with specific ratings. The claim for service connection of tremors is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral vascular disease of the bilateral lower extremities is granted, and his PTSD rating is increased to 70 percent effective from May 18, 2017. Other claims are dismissed.

The Board has found that additional development is necessary prior to final adjudication of the issues on appeal, including obtaining outpatient treatment records and providing a VA examination.

The Board has dismissed all issues of service connection and rating for the Veteran's conditions due to his death prior to a final decision.

The Veteran's PTSD and right shoulder condition were both denied as the severity, frequency, and duration of their symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for psychiatric disability and gynecological disability have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand two issues: one regarding the right hand fracture and another regarding PTSD. The Veteran's claims will be reviewed again after additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination.

The Veteran's posttraumatic tension headaches are rated as 50 percent disabling prior to April 14, 2015.,The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective from April 30, 2014.

The appeal for an earlier effective date for DEA under Chapter 35 is dismissed. The Veteran's PTSD with a history of alcohol dependence, in remission, results in occupational and social impairment but not to the extent warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70 percent rating prior to June 2, 2018. The appeal for higher ratings and effective date issues are denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorder, has been granted. However, the appeal is dismissed as the full benefit sought has already been provided.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD was granted on January 20, 2011. The effective date is set to the day the claim was received.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for PTSD was dismissed because he withdrew his appeal, indicating satisfaction with the current 30 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new and material evidence having been received. The issues of service connection for bilateral shin splints, lumbar spine disorder, left ankle disorder, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and anger disorder) are now before the Board.