PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability other than PTSD (bipolar disorder) was denied. A rating of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is granted effective July 15, 2014. The claims for increased ratings for right lower extremity radiculopathy prior to October 28, 2016 and from that date are both denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 50 percent rating prior to October 5, 2017 and denied for ratings higher than 50 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection related to stressor-related disorder, low back pain with sciatica, and headaches are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's application to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for TBI is denied. The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations, particularly for PTSD.

The claims of service connection for liver disorder, hypertension, heart disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), and left testicle disorder are being remanded due to the submission of new evidence. The Veteran's current diagnoses and potential in-service events will be evaluated.

The Board has granted a higher initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD prior to August 13, 2014. The case is remanded for additional development regarding the Veteran's IBS.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, due to a lack of current diagnosis and insufficient evidence supporting the claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD. The Veteran needs an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and a psychiatric disability, finding that the Veteran's reported in-service stressor could not be verified and his symptoms did not meet the criteria for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for essential tremors and TDIU prior to April 17, 2019. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are found to be sufficient to meet the criteria for a TDIU from April 17, 2019.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 70 percent disability rating, effective September 1, 2022. The issue of TDIU remains on appeal.

The appellant has withdrawn all pending appeals regarding the initial disability rating for PTSD and the earlier effective date for service connection. The Board dismissed these matters as a result.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to lack of recent examination and interview of the Veteran, and will attempt again to obtain an examination for a determination on service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations. The Veteran's PTSD and cervical spine disorder are both being reviewed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral leg disability, neck disability, lung condition, and chronic sinusitis due to incomplete development of records. The VA must obtain updated treatment records and VistA Imaging records, provide addendum opinions regarding the Veteran's disabilities, and issue an SSOC addressing the additional evidence.

The Veteran's appeals for PTSD, respiratory disability (undiagnosed illness), and headaches have been dismissed due to their death.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and development conducted do not comply with the previous remand instructions. Therefore, the case is being returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, left wrist condition, right shoulder condition, left shoulder condition, and headache condition due to inadequate medical opinions. The VA examiner is requested to address the Veteran's lay testimony of having experienced symptoms in service and since service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD due to further development being required.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to conflicting medical opinions and the need for a comprehensive examination. The Veteran's claustrophobia, major depressive disorder, PTSD, and seizure disorder are all under review.