PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has ordered further development for the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than schizophrenia, increased rating for schizophrenia, and secondary service connection for hypertension and erectile dysfunction. The Veteran is also seeking a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disorders.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied, and the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (specifically major depressive disorder with anxious distress) is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in impaired memory, impaired judgment, and difficulty maintaining relationships from April 4, 2002 to January 4, 2004. This is consistent with a 50 percent rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for schizoaffective disorder, PTSD, and alcohol use disorder as secondary to his pre-existing conditions is granted. The issue of service connection for tinnitus is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it does not cause total occupational or social impairment.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for PTSD, dyssomnia, and sleep apnea due to unsuccessful attempts in obtaining the Veteran's service records. The VA will make another attempt to obtain these records from the appropriate agencies.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD with depression, a headache disability, and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine are granted. The claim for residuals of a cervical spine injury is reopened but denied due to lack of evidence showing current disability.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and denied an initial evaluation in excess of 20% for diabetes mellitus type II. The Veteran's current diagnoses do not meet the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis, and his DM does not require regulation of activities.

The Board has remanded the cases due to outstanding VA and SSA records that need to be obtained for a comprehensive evaluation of the Veteran's PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical records and discrepancies in previous opinions. The Veteran's PTSD will need further evaluation by a VA psychiatrist.

The Board granted service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability, diagnosed as inflammatory facet joint arthropathy. The appeal was dismissed for the issues of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) and chronic depression.

The Veteran's PTSD, along with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder, is rated at 70 percent. The Board found that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for a 100 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in a 70 percent disability rating since August 18, 2016. The Board has found that the evidence does not support an increase in rating or earlier effective date for the PTSD rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent for the period beginning August 26, 2013. The Board denied an increased rating higher than 70 percent prior to that date.

The Board has determined that the evidence is sufficient to trigger the duty to provide a VA examination to determine whether any diagnosed mental disorder is related to or was aggravated by service. The Veteran's statements and medical records support this determination.

The Board has determined that there are outstanding records pertaining to the Veteran's claims and that further examination is needed to determine if his knee conditions, back condition, and psychiatric disorder are related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and need for a new examination. The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and/or bipolar disorder are being reviewed.

The Veteran's request to reopen her service connection claim for hysterectomy due to uterine fibroids and pelvic inflammatory disease is denied. Her request to reopen her service connection claim for a psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder is granted. The Veteran's request to reopen her service connection claim for migraine headaches is remanded.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with PTSD is granted as secondary to his service-connected celiac disease and chronic epididymitis. His initial claim for a stomach condition was denied, but he now has service connection for celiac disease effective from November 30, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.