PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for residuals of a head injury is granted. The claims for PTSD and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied due to lack of new and material evidence. The claim for service connection for Skin Cancer is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorder, is granted as service connected. The Board found the evidence in equipoise on whether the current symptoms are related to service.

The Board has decided that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The case will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder is granted as service-connected. The issues of service connection for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, hypertension, and a heart disease (claimed residual of a heart attack) are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent for the period prior to July 7, 2018 and denied a higher rating. For the period from July 7, 2018, the Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent but denied a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, specifically regarding the lack of evidence to determine the current severity of the Veteran's PTSD.

The Board dismissed the appeal for an earlier effective date because the RO (AOJ) has not adjudicated this issue, and the claimant must first have it addressed by the RO.

The Veteran's application for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted effective August 1, 2016. The Board denied an earlier effective date prior to this date.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD is denied as the original denial was final and no new claims were received prior to December 22, 2016.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether PTSD is a proximate cause or aggravating factor of OSA. The Veteran's claim for service connection for OSA remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% and his bilateral hearing loss is not compensable. The appeal for higher ratings is denied.

The Board has granted a 100% rating for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder effective March 2, 2020. Attorney fees are awarded based on past-due benefits awarded in this decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and chronic adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood. The Veteran's self-reported symptoms are considered in the new examination.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating, as they cause occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity but not deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent for the period from July 21, 2016 to April 15, 2021, reflecting significant impairment in most areas of functioning.

The Board has expanded the issue to include any psychiatric disability due to the Veteran's reported duties as a casualty notification officer. A VA examination is needed to determine if PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for VR&E benefits in pursuit of an avocational activity, finding that his service-connected disabilities do not limit or prevent participation in leisurely farming. The decision also noted that updating or replacing existing equipment is not allowed under VA policy.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD was dismissed due to his death. The issue of service connection for a lumbar spine disorder has been resolved, and the Veteran is presumed to seek the maximum available benefit.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, specifically PTSD and other mental health conditions. The AOJ is instructed to obtain updated medical records, conduct a VA examination, and address the issues of service connection for these conditions.