PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his active duty service and grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service connection claims for various conditions, including respiratory disorders, dysphagia, low back disorders, leg and foot disorders, psychiatric disorders, Dupuytren's contracture of the hands, substance abuse disorder, liver disorder, sleep disorders, and headaches. The appeals are currently remanded due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims seeking earlier effective dates for the award of service connection for PTSD and a 100% rating are dismissed as they have no legal merit.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to his in-service treatment and exposure during active duty.

The Veteran is presumed to have been exposed to herbicides while on active duty in the Republic of Vietnam, and has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The Board finds that service connection for this condition is warranted.,The Veteran has contended he developed PTSD due to stressors related to his military service in the Republic of Vietnam. The competent medical evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD, and the Board finds it at least as likely as not that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to his service.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for PTSD is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional VA treatment records. The current rating of 70 percent from October 27, 2015 and a previous rating of 30 percent prior to that date are under review.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and MDD, finding that the Veteran's reported stressors are supported by credible evidence and his current diagnoses align with these stressors.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD remains on appeal as the maximum rating has been granted. The case is being remanded to obtain additional VA medical records and provide a new examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is required for the Veteran's claims, including verifying his reported in-service stressor and obtaining a VA examination to assess the current severity of his right ankle disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's failure to appear for a scheduled hearing and because he recently changed his address. The appeal is being returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of June 1, 2004 for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's PTSD with secondary depression has been rated at 70 percent since June 13, 2008. The rating is based on symptoms such as flattened affect, circumstantial speech, difficulty understanding complex commands, and impaired judgment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied across multiple conditions, including PTSD, alcohol abuse, GERD, diverticulosis/diverticulitis, sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy. The Board found no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and active service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a psychiatric examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression will be reconsidered based on all evidence of record.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The claim for TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood, due to symptoms of a nature and severity most nearly approximating those contemplated by a 70 percent disability rating.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of April 30, 2004 for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's claim was originally denied in December 2004 due to insufficient evidence of verified stressors, but additional relevant service records have been received and are considered. Effective from April 19, 2011, the Veteran is assigned a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's claims of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD, service connection for depression, a compensable initial rating for bilateral eye disability (photophobia), service connection for a skin disability of the left hand, and service connection for a right foot disability are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for coronary artery disease and posttraumatic stress disorder have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.