PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

Service connection is granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD and depression. A TDIU is granted for the period prior to September 22, 2014, and a rating in excess of 60 percent for left knee disability is also remanded.

The Veteran's left knee arthritis is granted as secondary to his service-connected injury to Muscle Group XIV. His PTSD and GSW residuals are not rated higher than the current levels, but he is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder, finding no current diagnosis of PTSD and insufficient evidence linking the Veteran's symptoms to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at a maximum of 50 percent, and the Board finds that a new examination is needed to determine if he deserves a higher rating.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for headaches is granted, and the cases of lumbosacral sprain, TBI, and PTSD are remanded due to worsening conditions.

The Board has granted a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD, but has remanded the case to determine if a higher rating is warranted.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and mood disorder. The case is remanded for a supplemental VA opinion regarding the Veteran's COPD.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition has been reopened, but the Board finds that an earlier effective date is not warranted. The Veteran was denied service connection in August 2008 and did not appeal this decision.,An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected left knee arthritis is also remanded due to insufficient examination findings.

The Veteran's death was not related to his active duty exposure, and there were no claims pending at the time of his death. The claim for service connection for the cause of death is remanded due to inextricability with accrued benefits.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and personnel records.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and remanded the issues of service connection for a thoracolumbar spine condition, left hand condition, acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, and residuals of cold injury of the right foot.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and medical opinions due to incomplete records and inadequate examination findings.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent for the entire appeal period, and a higher rating is denied.,A TDIU is granted based on service-connected disabilities preventing substantially gainful employment.,Compensable ratings are not assigned for chronic post-traumatic headaches, left shoulder disorder, or lumbar strain with radicular pain and minimal scoliosis. These issues are remanded for further examination and opinion.,Service connection for a left shoulder disorder is remanded due to inadequate rationale in the previous VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disability, diagnosed as PTSD. The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right shoulder degenerative joint disease and rotator cuff tear is remanded due to the need for updated VA examination records. The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for right eye corneal vascularization with macular scar is also remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone did not necessitate the care or assistance of another person on a regular basis to assist him in activities of daily living, or to protect him from hazards or dangers of his daily environment.,His spouse’s need for regular aid and attendance of another was also denied as there is no evidence that she required such assistance due to her own service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's requests for earlier effective dates for service connection of PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The claims were not considered as having been filed prior to June 3, 2015.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and unverified in-service stressors. The Veteran's mental health issues are suspected but need further evaluation.

The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, and an unspecified depressive disorder is granted. Service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, effective September 3, 2003. The Board found that the symptoms of suicidal ideation and auditory hallucinations did not warrant a higher rating.

Service connection for headaches is denied.,Service connection for OSA is granted on a secondary basis to PTSD.,The effective date of service connection for PTSD is July 15, 2013.,The effective date of service connection for tinnitus is July 15, 2013.,The effective date of service connection for DMII with ED is November 15, 2012.,The effective date of service connection for PN of the bilateral lower extremities is September 12, 2014.