PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

Service connection for essential tremor is granted. The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder, NOS, are remanded for additional development to determine the appropriate rating. Service connection for a respiratory disorder related to exposure to burn pits during service is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, has been reopened. The Board finds new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim. However, additional development is needed before the merits of the case can be decided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for PTSD, headaches, hypertension, and Type II diabetes mellitus are remanded due to incomplete VA clinical documentation. The effective dates for service connection remain unchanged.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, has been reopened. The Board finds that new evidence supports the reopening of the claim.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to incomplete records from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

The Veteran's service-connected tension headaches, right carpal tunnel syndrome, PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder have been granted initial disability ratings of 30 percent each. The Veteran also received a TDIU due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hip disability due to new and material evidence. The lung disability (including OSA, GERD, and PTSD) and psychiatric disability claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's TDIU and Chapter 35 educational benefits were granted for the period from March 24, 2011 to July 19, 2013 due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for a sleep disorder and PTSD, finding no current disability. The right foot issue is remanded due to lack of clinical findings.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a lumbar spine disability is denied as the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that his current back disability began during or was caused by his military service.,The Veteran's PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder are currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds no total social impairment to warrant an increased rating. The Veteran maintains relationships and is socially active.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as he has not demonstrated that he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records since 2004, SSA/DHHR disability benefits records, and an addendum opinion from the July 2018 VA examiner.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran did not detrimentally rely on a misleading January 1982 notice letter in not pursuing his December 1981 claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent for the entire appeal period, effective January 11, 2010. The Board also granted a TDIU for the same period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for TBI, headaches, gout, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and PTSD), and Bell’s Palsy due to incomplete records and the need for medical opinions regarding possible causation.

The Board has remanded the case to attempt to obtain Dr. Fawcett's records related to PTSD, as the Veteran did not return a release form and it is unclear if the records are unavailable.

The Veteran's PTSD was characterized by occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks prior to January 14, 2011. The Board has remanded the claims for further development.

The Board has granted the reopening of the claim for service connection for residuals of a head injury. The claims for service connection for bilateral ankle disability, back disability (claimed as arthritis all over), and bilateral shoulder disability are remanded due to lack of evidence of current disabilities. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) is also remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, specifically PTSD and major depressive disorder. The VA needs to obtain her service personnel records, all relevant medical records, and conduct a new examination to determine if these conditions are related to her military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of consideration of the Veteran's claim for service connection based on an in-service personal assault, specifically a physical altercation with a drill sergeant during basic training.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating based on current symptoms.