PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received sufficient to readjudicate the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating for PTSD, an earlier effective date for the 50 percent PTSD rating, and an earlier effective date for TDIU have been dismissed due to procedural defects.

The Board is remanding the matter to obtain treatment records from a Vet Center in Pikesville/Baltimore, Maryland for consideration regarding an earlier effective date for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms resulted in total social and occupational impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating effective from September 24, 2005.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD was dismissed due to his death before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder is granted an initial rating of 70 percent prior to April 13, 2015. The appeal for higher ratings from April 13, 2015, to April 14, 2022, and beyond is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted. The Board also remanded the issues of service connection for sinus disability, eye disability, left shoulder disability, gastroesophageal disability (heartburn), and skin disability.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was dismissed. The cases of service connection for chest scar, sensitive nipples (enlarged mammary glands), and torso problems are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected TBI and other conditions have caused him to require the regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board has granted SMC based on need for aid and attendance, but remanded for a new examination regarding his initial disability rating for TBI.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 70 percent rating prior to December 13, 2022. The left knee disability and TDIU claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, hepatitis C, and cirrhosis of the liver due to potential new evidence submitted by the appellant. The cases are now pending further review.

The Board has vacated the denial of TDIU due to inaccurate evidence, and since May 1, 2015, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to May 19, 2017, for the award of service connection for PTSD with Bipolar Disorder was denied. The Board found that no earlier effective date is warranted as the earliest possible effective date is the date of receipt of the application to reopen the claim, which is May 19, 2017.,The Veteran's claim for a TDIU rating prior to May 19, 2017, was also denied. The Board found that she did not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU and could only be granted on an extraschedular basis under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b). However, given her statement indicating that her non-service-connected PTSD was causing her to not work, the Board concluded that she had not met the criteria for referral of her claim to the Director, Compensation Services for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a sleep disorder, left knee disability, right knee disability, and bilateral foot disability. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains remanded as new evidence was received but does not establish service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD prior to July 6, 2020 is being remanded due to the need to obtain missing counseling progress notes from Florida Vet Center.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension, MGUS, PTSD, and service-connected conditions contributed to his death from pancreatic cancer. The VA must obtain addendum opinions addressing these issues.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to new and material evidence. The issues of service connection for OSA, ED (to include as secondary), and PTSD remain remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various musculoskeletal conditions, including PTSD, lower back condition, right and left knee conditions, left leg pain, and left ankle condition are remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation. The effective date claim for PTSD is also remanded as it may be addressed in conjunction with other issues.

The Veteran's appeal for PTSD is dismissed. The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected bilateral foot disabilities.