PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of notification for a VA examination, and the Veteran's representative claims that he will appear for an examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a rib condition is reopened, while his claims for PTSD and other disabilities are denied. His TDIU claim has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and hypertension, to include as secondary to PTSD, is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking or mood.,The issue of entitlement to TDIU due to service-connected PTSD was also denied. The Veteran's 50 percent disability rating for PTSD was deemed insufficient to warrant a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders (including PTSD, major depressive disorder with symptoms of anxiety and insomnia, bipolar disorder, ADHD), back disorders (including arthritis), left knee disorders (including arthritis), right knee disorders (including arthritis), migraines, and tinnitus have all been denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5271 for marked limitation of motion. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of any other claimed conditions.,Service connection has been granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder with panic attacks, and alcohol use disorder), sleep apnea, low back disorder, left hip disorder, right hip disorder, left knee disorder, and left lower extremity radiculopathy. Service connection was denied for the remaining conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for PTSD with cocaine use disorder is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, PTSD related to personal trauma, and GERD secondary to PTSD and right ankle disability due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU is remanded due to insufficient evidence of his functional and work-related capabilities during the period from January 27, 2009, to January 26, 2010. The AOJ must obtain missing records and provide a VA examiner with relevant information.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus was granted. Claims for fibromyalgia, CFS, respiratory disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, skin disorder, lumbosacral strain, and TBI were denied or remanded.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, cervical spine disability, back disability, erectile dysfunction, prostate disability, bilateral ankle and knee disabilities, shoulder and hip disabilities, right upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathies, anxiety, depression, and PTSD were not shown as chronic in service or related to a service-connected disability. The Board found the Veteran's statements regarding these conditions being related to his military service to be speculative.,The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus were first diagnosed 30 years after separation from service and are not considered to be related to service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased PTSD rating and service connection for a heart disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a supplemental VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent disabling for the entire appeal period, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 50 percent disabling. The Board finds that additional development is necessary before the underlying claim can be adjudicated on the merits due to worsening symptoms and remands the case for a new examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders and their relationship to service. The Veteran will need a VA examination to determine if his current diagnoses are related to service or pre-existing conditions.

The Veteran was granted TDIU from March 2, 2014 due to his service-connected PTSD preventing him from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment. Prior to that date, the evidence suggested he was still employed.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a seizure disorder, and a bilateral hip disorder due to new and material evidence. The claims are now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to March 3, 2009 was denied. The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to a rating greater than 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder from August 4, 2009 to March 18, 2012.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of August 13, 2003 for the award of service connection for PTSD. The issue of whether a clear and unmistakable error was made in not assigning an earlier effective date of August 2003 is moot.

The Board has remanded the case for a new examination and opinion to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder, as well as other psychiatric disorders. The remand includes addressing previous diagnoses and stressors from service.