PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for posttraumatic stress disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed PTSD and thus service connection for this condition is denied. The claim of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for status post head injury with cerebral atrophy will be addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Veteran's service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus is found to be the cause of his obstructive sleep apnea, and therefore he is granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for his fourth metacarpal fracture and service connection for right knee disability and acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim for TDIU was also addressed but not decided.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any currently diagnosed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and MDD. The RO should also obtain any outstanding medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his service-connected disabilities, specifically their impact on his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and acquired psychiatric disability (other than PTSD) are all service-connected.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to a lack of current diagnosis and no causal relationship between his in-service incident and his current symptoms.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since May 17, 2004. The Board finds that the disability does not warrant a higher rating as it primarily results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of depression, but denied it. The Veteran's claims for PTSD and eating disorder are pending as new evidence was submitted to reopen the depression claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations.,Specifically, the Veteran needs to provide information about his in-service treatment for a head injury from a motor vehicle accident.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for all issues on appeal, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, bowel dysfunction, and TDIU.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claim can be decided on its merits, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hemorrhoids was denied. The issue of an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot proceed with the merits of this case as he is no longer alive.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability is directly related to his military service and grants service connection for a lumbar spine disorder.

The Board has reopened the service connection claim for PTSD and granted it. The Veteran's other psychiatric disorder claims are pending, as they involve issues not related to service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 30 percent disabling since January 28, 2008. The Board finds that the evidence shows symptoms most nearly approximating a disability picture warranting a 50 percent rating for PTSD throughout the period on appeal.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected PTSD and depression, which are rated at 70 percent combined.