PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that he has not been diagnosed with PTSD in accordance with applicable regulations and that there is no recent diagnosis of such disability prior to his filing of a claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's motion for an earlier effective date for TDIU based on CUE in a May 2013 decision, finding that the correct facts were known and applied correctly.

The Board is unable to make a final decision on the issue of TDIU because further development of the record is necessary, including obtaining SSA disability records and a supplemental medical opinion regarding the impact of PTSD medications on employment.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD prior to November 30, 2017 is being remanded due to the VA sending the Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC) to an incorrect address and returning it as undeliverable. The case must be reissued with the SSOC.

The Veteran's low back disability is now rated at 40 percent effective March 3, 2010. Other claims for increased ratings and service connection are also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent disabling, effective April 29, 2008. The Board found that the symptoms of reduced reliability and productivity due to PTSD warrant this rating.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as he does not have a single disability rated at 60 percent or more, nor do his service-connected disabilities bring the combined rating to 70 percent or more.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and review, including consideration of a TDIU prior to June 6, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of the 70 percent rating for service-connected PTSD is denied as it was not factually ascertainable prior to August 15, 2013.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of compliance with previous instructions regarding in-service mental health treatment records. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone do not render him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to September 20, 2013.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD was granted, but the claim itself remains denied.,The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for alcohol-induced depression was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD. The case is remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, increased coronary artery disease rating, and PTSD were denied. The decision also noted that the Veteran's heart condition has been consistent throughout the appeal period.

Service connection for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus, type II is denied.,Service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for updated examinations.

The Veteran's asthma is rated at 30 percent, effective from the date of the July 2014 rating decision. The Veteran's headaches are currently rated as non-compensable prior to January 23, 2017 and in excess of 30 percent thereafter. The Veteran's PTSD remains rated at 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of irritable bowel syndrome, posttraumatic stress disorder, and major depressive disorder with anxiety and mood swings due to insufficient evidence in the record.