PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including updated VA treatment records and a vocational opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran requires regular aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's claim for SMC based on aid and attendance is now pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's current diagnoses and their etiology, including a need for an updated VA examination in accordance with the DSM-5.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent prior to June 11, 2013. The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to his social and occupational impairment.,For the prostate cancer residuals, an additional VA examination is needed as there are outstanding records from May 2013.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) due to outstanding treatment records and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service stressor and a need for further examination to determine if he has any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, that is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance for bilateral knee braces was denied, but her claim for a back brace was granted due to wear and tear on her clothes.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD, but has found that the Veteran currently suffers from a specific phobia. The decision is mixed as it grants part of the claim (specific phobia) and denies the other part (PTSD).

Service connection for essential tremor is granted. The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder, NOS, are remanded for additional development to determine the appropriate rating. Service connection for a respiratory disorder related to exposure to burn pits during service is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, has been reopened. The Board finds new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim. However, additional development is needed before the merits of the case can be decided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for PTSD, headaches, hypertension, and Type II diabetes mellitus are remanded due to incomplete VA clinical documentation. The effective dates for service connection remain unchanged.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, has been reopened. The Board finds that new evidence supports the reopening of the claim.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to incomplete records from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

The Veteran's service-connected tension headaches, right carpal tunnel syndrome, PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder have been granted initial disability ratings of 30 percent each. The Veteran also received a TDIU due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hip disability due to new and material evidence. The lung disability (including OSA, GERD, and PTSD) and psychiatric disability claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's TDIU and Chapter 35 educational benefits were granted for the period from March 24, 2011 to July 19, 2013 due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for a sleep disorder and PTSD, finding no current disability. The right foot issue is remanded due to lack of clinical findings.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a lumbar spine disability is denied as the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that his current back disability began during or was caused by his military service.,The Veteran's PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder are currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds no total social impairment to warrant an increased rating. The Veteran maintains relationships and is socially active.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as he has not demonstrated that he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records since 2004, SSA/DHHR disability benefits records, and an addendum opinion from the July 2018 VA examiner.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran did not detrimentally rely on a misleading January 1982 notice letter in not pursuing his December 1981 claim.