PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the VA examinations related to erectile dysfunction and PTSD are inadequate, and thus these claims must be remanded for further evaluations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea secondary to PTSD and for an increased rating for PTSD. The issues are being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between PTSD and sleep apnea, as well as the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of all appeals.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since June 11, 2010. The Board found that the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and social isolation have persisted throughout the appeal period, warranting a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as there is no current disability and no evidence of a stressor during service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent, effective from the date of his claim (July 2009). The rating is based on total occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals, near-continuous panic or depression affecting ability to function independently, appropriate and effectively, and inability to establish and maintain effective relationships.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression and anxiety, due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD evaluation has been reduced from 70 percent to 30 percent effective June 1, 2015. The propriety of this reduction is being reviewed along with the increased rating claim for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and left hand peripheral neuropathy do not render him unemployable as he has maintained employment for 22 years, with his last job due to pneumonia. The Board finds that the medical evidence does not support a finding of TDIU.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case is being remanded for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and further examination is required.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased PTSD ratings and TDIU due to incomplete records, including those from SSA.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder due to unresolved legal and factual questions.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence for determining whether the Veteran's current left hand disability and psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, are related to service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and earlier effective dates were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his right thumb disability, or for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD. The TDIU claim was also denied as there is no evidence showing he could not secure and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to January 28, 2012. The Board found the VA examinations inadequate and ordered additional examination on his low back disability and associated radiculopathy.

The Board has denied service connection for PTSD but has remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, to include depressive disorder NOS and anxiety disorder NOS.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, specifically PTSD and depression. The Veteran needs to undergo a VA examination to provide more information about his conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD, associated with substance abuse, is currently rated at 70 percent. The Board finds the evidence does not support a higher rating as his symptoms do not meet criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected due to an in-service assault, finding reasonable doubt and granting the claim.