PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has found that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The issues of service connection for HIV are also remanded due to their inextricability with the remanded claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD and depressive disorder is denied, with a current rating of 70 percent. The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease receives an initial rating of 20 percent.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, due to new and material evidence received since the June 2009 rating decision. The case is remanded for further examination and determination of the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disability.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for a left thumb disability and PTSD (including bi-polar disorder) due to the Veteran's timely Notice of Disagreement. The AOJ is required to issue a Statement of the Case on these issues.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The rating for PTSD remains denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and inadequate opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed psychiatric conditions. The AOJ is required to obtain relevant medical records, including those from incarceration, and schedule an examination for a comprehensive opinion on the issues raised.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to unclear employment history. The AOJ needs to verify his employment status and complete the updated VA Form 21-8940.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and anxiety disorder have rendered him unable to secure or maintain gainful employment since October 24, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and diabetes mellitus type II, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has remanded the case for clarification of his employment history during the appeal period and for an opinion on the functional impairment caused by these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to May 29, 2012.

The Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected PTSD, and the appellant is recognized as the surviving spouse for DIC and death pension benefits.

The Board has remanded the claims for hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, coronary artery disease (CAD), cataracts, colon cancer, left foot pain, and PTSD due to potential service connection issues.

The Veteran's hypertension and coronary artery disease are granted as directly related to his exposure to herbicide agents during service.,The Veteran's hypertensive cardiovascular disease is granted as secondary to his service-connected hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural issues, specifically failing to issue a Statement of the Case (SOC) as required by law. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is pending and will be reconsidered after the issuance of the SOC.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate opinions in the VA examinations. Specifically, a new examination is needed for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD disability is rated at a 70 percent rating for the period from April 10, 2012 to July 17, 2019. The claim for an increased rating remains pending and will be remanded.

The Veteran seeks earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for COPD and PTSD. The Board finds that his 1971 claim was abandoned due to failure to provide requested information, and thus cannot serve as a basis for an earlier effective date.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disabilities are related to active service, including military sexual trauma.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to lack of qualifying conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) are granted. The appeal for GERD and gastrointestinal condition is remanded.