PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board denied an increased rating. The Veteran also claimed TDIU but was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depression, and anxiety are remanded due to incomplete medical records and need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the combined disability rating not meeting the schedular requirements, and his service-connected back disability and PTSD prevent him from securing gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand three issues: the evaluation of PTSD, service connection for seizures, and service connection for a lung condition. The Veteran needs further examinations and records to determine the current severity of his PTSD, whether he had a seizure disorder during service or is related to any incident of service, and if his lung condition had its clinical onset during active service.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as it was incurred during service, and the evidence supports a link between his in-service stressors and current symptoms.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss due to lack of evidence meeting the criteria for a disability under 38 C.F.R. § 3.385. The claims for initial compensable ratings for left ear hearing loss, orchialgia, PTSD, and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity and impact of his condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, began during active service. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD and diabetes mellitus were granted effective December 30, 2004. The TDIU was also granted effective the same date.

The Board has remanded the case due to an error in its July 2016 decision, where it relied on VA examiners' conclusions that the Veteran did not have PTSD. The case is now being sent back for a new examination and opinion.

The Board denied attorney fees for the February 2014 rating decision awarding service connection for PTSD with depression, diabetic polyneuropathy of the right upper extremity, and diabetic polyneuropathy of the left upper extremity because no notice of disagreement was filed prior to the February 2014 rating decision.

The Board has denied an initial rating greater than 70 percent for the appellant's service-connected PTSD and depression, finding that his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and remanded the TDIU claim due to the Veteran's physical and mental disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders and her service connection claims. The Veteran is required to undergo a VA psychiatric examination to determine if she has any current psychiatric diagnoses, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and whether these conditions are related to her military service. Additionally, the examiner must address whether her psychiatric disorders were caused or aggravated by her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran before a decision could be made.

The Board denied the Veteran's requests for earlier effective dates for service connection due to PTSD, diabetes mellitus with hypertension, and bilateral hearing loss. The claims were reopened on new evidence, but the effective date remains August 29, 2013.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD requires additional examination and review, as well as consideration of his TDIU claim. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him prior to October 20, 2009.

The Board dismissed the claims of service connection for a right shoulder condition and motion sickness. The claim for PTSD was granted, and secondary service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD was also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has decided to remand the case for a new examination to determine if his condition warrants a higher rating.