PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has found that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The case will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings on multiple service-connected disabilities, including cervical radiculopathy, degenerative joint disease of the neck and shoulder, PTSD, and arthritis of the wrist, is remanded due to need for additional examinations. Additionally, his claim for service connection for arthritis of the joints, potentially related to exposure in Southwest Asia, is also remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 100% rating from March 21, 2019. However, he is not entitled to a TDIU prior to March 10, 2018.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for tinnitus, PTSD, and hypertension are denied. Service connection for a back disorder, tension headaches, and vertigo is also denied.,An initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which reflects occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board found the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has denied a higher rating for the left knee disability and remanded the service connection claims. The case is now being returned to the AOJ for further action.

The VA has awarded a 30 percent rating for cervical spine disability effective May 25, 2016. The appellant's claim was received within one year of the Intent to File.

The Board has granted an initial disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD from January 4, 2012 to February 17, 2015 and from June 1, 2015. The Veteran is also granted a TDIU during these periods.

The appeals for service connection for PTSD, right knee scars, left knee scars, and an earlier effective date for SMC due to housebound status are dismissed. The application to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a left eye disorder is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70 percent rating, effective from August 2, 2012. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected PTSD is also granted. As of March 13, 2019, the criteria for statutory housebound are met.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and further development is needed. The skin disorder claim will be remanded for a VA examination during winter months, while the psychiatric disorder claim will require an updated VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for referral to the Director of Compensation Service for consideration of an extraschedular rating under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b) due to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and diabetes mellitus.

The Board has decided the case is remanded due to conflicting findings in a VA examination report and medical opinions, requiring further clarification on whether there are any currently diagnosed psychiatric symptoms that are related to service or TBI.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to an in-service assault, finding that the assault was a cause of his current PTSD and not caused by willful misconduct.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current PTSD with depressive disorder may be considered to have been incurred in service, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his service-connected mood disorder not otherwise specified has been dismissed as the Veteran requested to withdraw all remaining issues on appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders and his service, specifically in relation to witnessed motor vehicle accidents during his time on land in the Navy.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since August 11, 2014. Therefore, an extraschedular TDIU is granted from August 11, 2014 to September 1, 2022.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and an updated VA examination.