PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD associated with alcohol and cannabis disorder is remanded due to lack of recent VA treatment records. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it may be significantly impacted by the outcome of the increased rating claim.

The Veteran is granted TDIU effective July 2, 2012. Prior to that date, his service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable.

The Veteran's PTSD rating was reduced from 70% to 50%, effective July 29, 2016. The Board finds that the reduction was improper and restores the 70% rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased PTSD rating, service connection for hypertension secondary to PTSD, and service connection for a heart disorder secondary to PTSD are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rated at least 70 percent combined throughout, but the Board found that they do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and experience.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with depression and anxious distress, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are at least as likely as not incurred during his military service.

The Board has decided to remand both the Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and MDD, and a back disorder. The reasons are that factual errors were found in the previous opinions and new evidence is needed.

The Board has granted service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as it is related to the Veteran's combat experiences in Vietnam.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD, finding that no claim was reasonably raised prior to March 18, 2016.

The Board has denied an increased disability rating for PTSD and remanded the right bicipital tendonitis and impingement syndrome claim due to a procedural error in scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a procedural issue related to the definition of sexual harassment used in previous VA examinations. The Veteran's attorney asserts that the June 2019 rating decision incorrectly relied on the incorrect definition of sexual harassment, and thus a new examination is needed.

The appellant withdrew their appeal for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, so the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's subthreshold PTSD is rated at 70 percent from May 16, 2016, to November 1, 2017. A TDIU rating was granted effective November 1, 2017.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent disabling, effective since September 5, 2019. The rating is based on occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation under 38 U.S.C. 1318 due to not meeting the statutory duration requirements for a total disability rating at the time of death. The Board also found that service connection in the cause of the Veteran's death is remanded as there was no opinion regarding the causality of his death.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type II was denied as the evidence did not show that he required regulation of activities.,Service connection for PTSD and left inguinal hernia were both denied due to lack of medical or lay evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, fibromyalgia, lumbar spine disability, bilateral knee conditions, tinnitus, dermatitis, and erectile dysfunction require regular aid and attendance due to mental health issues. The Board granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's fourth finger scar is granted a rating of 10 percent. Service connection for PTSD and OSA are both granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not competent to handle disbursement of VA funds, but this decision was based on outdated medical evidence. The Board finds a predecisional duty to assist error and requires a reexamination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD is remanded due to a duty to assist error and the need to obtain VA treatment records. A VA psychiatric examination will be scheduled to determine if the Veteran has any diagnosed psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, which may be related to his military service.