PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The appeal for an earlier effective date for the 100% evaluation of PTSD and sleep disorder is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment, but only occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms such as mood swings, agitation, and impaired concentration. The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent disabling. The claim for a TDIU has been granted. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a left hip disability.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD is granted, as his current diagnosis of PTSD is related to his active military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities make it impossible for him to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted his claim for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has decided to remand the claims for an initial compensable evaluation for anxiety disorder and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities because there is insufficient evidence regarding the severity of the Veteran's mental health conditions. A new VA examination is needed, and the issues are inextricably intertwined with the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for further development and opinion regarding the Veteran's left hip condition and acquired psychiatric disorders, other than PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100% rating for PTSD is denied because there is no evidence that the criteria for such a rating were met within one year prior to his January 27, 2014 claim.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, depression, and anxiety have been reopened due to new evidence. However, the claim for asthma has not been reopened.,The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for PTSD and TDIU due to PTSD are being remanded as the VA has not obtained all relevant medical records from the Chillicothe VAMC. The Veteran is also asked to provide any additional private medical records that may be pertinent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection of PTSD, Major Depression, and Anxiety related to his combat service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a TDIU rating. The AOJ should request any outstanding medical records and lay statements from the Veteran to support his claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and MDD, finding that there is no probative evidence showing a current diagnosis of PTSD or a link between his in-service stressors and his current psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD and a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a VA examination. The issues are also remanded for consideration of entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's attorney withdrew the appeal of service connection for hypertension, hearing loss, and initial ratings for bipolar II disorder with psychotic features and PTSD, spinal stenosis at L4-5, lumbar radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremity, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC).

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to June 14, 2016 resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. A disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an inguinal hernia, bilateral ankle disorder, insomnia, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depression, and anxiety) due to lack of evidence supporting service connection.,Service connection is not granted for any of these conditions as there is no credible evidence linking them to military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, diabetes mellitus, service connection for an eye disability and memory loss condition, as well as the effective date of TDIU. Additional evidence will be reviewed, and VA examinations will be scheduled to assess the severity of his conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type II was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to lack of medical documentation indicating restrictions on activities as a result of his diabetes. The TDIU claim was also remanded due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's functional impairment from PTSD and diabetic neuropathy.