PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his other specified trauma and stressor related disorder (claimed as PTSD) is denied, and the claim for individual unemployability is also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, is being remanded due to the lack of VA medical records and potential need for further development including obtaining private medical records.

The Board has denied service connection for a low back disability and remanded the cases of tinnitus and psychiatric disability (claimed as post-traumatic stress disorder). The claims are being returned to VA for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease, hypertension, PTSD, and obstructive sleep apnea was granted with an effective date of July 14, 2005.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim of service connection for left arm and hand numbness was denied. An effective date of January 2, 2017, was granted for an increased rating in the Veteran’s lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with disc bulging.,An effective date of January 2, 2017, was granted for a separate compensable rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy. An effective date prior to March 13, 2017, was denied for an increased rating in the Veteran’s cervical spine degenerative arthritis with disc protrusion and stenosis.,An effective date of March 13, 2017, was granted for a separate compensable rating for right arm nerve impingement. An effective date prior to March 13, 2017, was denied for an increased rating in the Veteran’s cervical spine degenerative arthritis with disc protrusion and stenosis.,A rating of more than 10 percent for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with disc bulging since January 2, 2017, and a rating of more than 10 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy since January 2, 2017, were denied.,A rating of 30 percent for GERD since March 13, 2017, and a rating of 50 percent for PTSD since March 13, 2017, were granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the RO has scheduled a VA examination to reassess his condition. However, there are issues with notification of the examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and an earlier effective date for total disability based on individual employability were all denied. The right fifth metatarsal fracture was rated at 20 percent, PTSD at 70 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for cause of death, finding that his underlying cause of death (respiratory arrest due to pneumonia and cerebral hemorrhage) was not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence on file for the Board to make a decision on the claim. The Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is now pending.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to the current level of impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and PTSD, finding that the Veteran's reported symptoms are related to his military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, has been rated at a 70 percent disability rating throughout the period of the claim. The Board also granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorder is reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The appeal remains pending as the Board has not decided on the merits of these claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for service connection and DEA due to lack of evidence supporting such a claim.

The Board has ordered a remand to determine if the Veteran's sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder. The VA will obtain updated treatment records and provide an addendum medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional VA treatment records and consideration of all submitted evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD and MDD, as well as for obtaining all relevant medical records from SSA.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination and a need for additional medical opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 50 percent rating, effective from the date of his death. Increased ratings for residuals of cold injuries to bilateral lower extremities are granted and earlier effective dates are denied.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeals for increased ratings in excess of 20 percent for diabetes and for PTSD. The Board dismissed the appeals as a result.