PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2022

The Board has ordered another remand due to the need for a retrospective medical opinion regarding PTSD symptoms prior to December 12, 2008 and for addressing the propriety of reducing the Veteran's PTSD rating from 100 percent to 70 percent effective May 1, 2016.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete VA opinions and need for additional evidence. The Veteran is required to undergo new VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, type II diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and knee conditions. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address these issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to conflicting medical evidence and the need for further examinations. The issues of secondary service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, hypertension, bowel condition, and joint pains are also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and an acquired psychological disorder, including PTSD, are remanded due to insufficient evidence. Additional development is needed to determine the relationship between these conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her right knee disability due to insufficient evidence in previous examinations. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a rating for her right knee osteoarthritis are also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine disability and PTSD due to a lack of VA examination. The issues are inextricably intertwined, so both must be addressed together.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that this rating adequately reflects his disability level. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating of 70 percent or above.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to January 1, 2011.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with major depressive disorder, which includes a finding of military sexual trauma. As such, the claim is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the failure to provide VA examinations as requested in the February 2022 Board decision. The examinations were not provided because the Veteran did not show up, and another examination would not change the outcome of the case.

The Veteran's PTSD with anxiety and depression is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to comply with a previous remand directive, specifically scheduling an examination for the Veteran. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, is now pending and will be addressed after obtaining necessary medical evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to procedural errors and to obtain updated VA treatment records, including Vet Center records, for an examination of PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development, including a failed VA examination scheduled for May 18, 2022. The Veteran's representative requested another examination and additional records.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and/or medications for PTSD caused or contributed to his death from hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

The Veteran's PTSD claim was granted with an effective date of July 16, 2008. A 100% rating for PTSD has also been granted as of that same date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or permanently housebound, thus SMC based on aid and attendance is denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and additional evidence from his therapist.