PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was received within a year of his discharge, so the effective date is set to July 31, 1993.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent since May 19, 2011. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating as they did not meet the criteria for a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder, including insomnia and PTSD, is being remanded due to inconsistencies in the previous decision. The issue will be reconsidered with new evidence.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD as of November 1, 2013. The effective date is December 17, 2010.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the increased rating and earlier effective date for posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a supplemental opinion regarding whether he sustained a superimposed disability on his pre-existing personality disorder during or as a result of his active duty service. The claim will be reconsidered after the supplemental opinion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a right ear hearing loss disability. The claim for PTSD was reopened based on new evidence, but the Board found that there is no credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor to substantiate the claim. The claim for a right ear hearing loss disability remains pending as it has not been fully adjudicated.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional medical evidence being added, and it is unclear if any of these conditions are related to service or not. The Veteran's left shoulder condition and PTSD have been rated based on their current severity without a higher rating possible at this time.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the effective dates for awards of service connection were not granted earlier than specified.

The Veteran's skin disability is granted as service connected. The issues of secondary service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, loss of memory/concentration problems, and sleep disturbances to include as secondary to PTSD; gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); urinary tract condition; and right hand numbness are remanded.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for schizophrenia and PTSD have been granted. The appeals to reopen the claims for left ankle disability, right ankle disability, and headaches are also granted.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and secondary substance abuse disorder, finding that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a current diagnosis of PTSD or any other mental condition related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluations for PTSD is being remanded due to the submission of additional VA treatment records that have not been reviewed by the AOJ.

This decision denies service connection for burns and non-service connected pension benefits. The Veteran's burn injuries are not related to his military service, and he does not have the required wartime service for nonservice-connected pension benefits.,The remaining issues of service connection for various conditions are remanded due to incomplete records.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, depressive disorder, and polysubstance dependence in remission have rendered her unemployable due to her mental health disabilities. The Board found the evidence at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, including blurred vision, dizziness, an irregular heartbeat, and headaches.

The claim for service connection of a psychiatric disability is reopened, but the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus. The Board finds that an examination is needed to determine if the Veteran has any current psychiatric disabilities and their etiology.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for a skin condition due to Agent Orange exposure, rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, and TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD, left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, and left knee disorder are being remanded for further evaluation. The initial rating for PTSD is granted at 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear diagnoses and a need for a new VA examination using DSM-V criteria. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after obtaining all relevant psychiatric treatment records and conducting a new examination.