PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has granted earlier effective dates of August 7, 2009 for both TDIU and eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits. The Veteran's combined evaluation of his service-connected disabilities as of August 7, 2009, was 70 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome, right and left upper extremities are being remanded as the VA examiner's opinion is insufficient to adjudicate these claims. The addendum opinion must address whether the bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities.,The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for diabetic retinopathy with focal laser treatment (previously rated as eye condition) is being remanded. The VA examiner must determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected diabetic retinopathy and whether any other related psychiatric disability, including PTSD, were incurred in or are related to his service.

The Veteran's PTSD is productive of a disability picture that more nearly approximates occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting an initial rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone supports a total disability rating based on unemployability, and his other disabilities together result in at least a 60% combined evaluation. Therefore, SMC is granted under the housebound rate.

The Board has restored the Veteran's PTSD rating from 50% to 70%, effective February 1, 2021. The reduction was not proper as there is no evidence of actual improvement in the Veteran's condition under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to obtain and follow a substantially gainful occupation, effective July 18, 2017.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and right rotator cuff tendonitis were denied as there was no credible evidence supporting the claimed in-service stressors or injury, respectively.,Service connection for a left ankle disability (claimed as villonodular synovitis of the ankles) is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that there is not enough evidence to grant these claims at this time.,The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and lumbar spine disorder are related to his military service. However, the claim for posttraumatic stress disorder remains pending as the in-service sexual trauma has not been confirmed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is remanded due to conflicting diagnoses and the need for further evaluation. The Board will provide an additional VA psychiatric evaluation to clarify the current diagnosis of PTSD and determine its relationship to the verified in-service stressor.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his acquired psychiatric disorder are being remanded due to the addition of new VA treatment records and the need for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depression, panic disorder, and anxiety disorder, is related to his service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for her acquired psychiatric disability and for a TDIU. Additional evidence is needed, including updated treatment records and a VA examination for mental disorders. The Veteran will also be provided with forms to apply for TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is remanded due to the failure to issue a Statement of the Case (SOC).

The Board has decided that a new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's PTSD, and additional records are requested.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD, is related to his military service. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU claim from August 2, 2018 is granted. The Board finds additional development needed for the PTSD and back disability claims due to potential impact on the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% prior to December 7, 2020 and 70% thereafter. The case is remanded for further development regarding the rating of PTSD.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD due to new and material evidence. The case is now remanded for further development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent prior to September 16, 2019; and 70 percent thereafter (excluding those periods during which a total rating was assigned). The Board finds that the Veteran's PTSD does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.