PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD, granted a 10% rating for right foot hammer toes, and granted a 10% rating for left foot hammer toes. The claim for a compensable evaluation for surgical scars on the bilateral feet was denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease and an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD). The claim for service connection for a skin disorder is remanded. Service connection for ischemic heart disease is granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents, but the claim for PTSD remains denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. The Veteran needs to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination to determine if his current diagnoses are related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's PTSD and other psychiatric disorders, requiring a new VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and denied service connection for left ear hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression). Right ear hearing loss is found to be aggravated by service. Service connection for left ear hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disorder are not granted as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is denied, but his claim for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is granted.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case is remanded to obtain an adequate VA medical opinion regarding the Veteran's current psychiatric diagnoses and their etiology.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent rating prior to March 7, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include depression and PTSD has been reopened, and the Board finds that his current psychiatric disability is related to his military service. His claim for a higher rating for his left ankle disability remains denied.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a rating of 70 percent, but no higher, due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100% for the period from December 5, 2012 to January 28, 2013, and from April 1, 2013 forward. The initial rating of 10 percent for chronic lumbar strain is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder. Service connection is denied for alcohol abuse and cannabis dependence.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU effective August 22, 2013, based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for PTSD and Bipolar Disorder due to new evidence, but further examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a right shoulder disorder, bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, and tinnitus have been granted. The rating for PTSD has been increased to 10 percent. A TDIU claim is also granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete supplemental statements of the case.

The Board has decided to remand twelve service connection claims for additional development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and verifying the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents. The remaining fourteen issues were previously denied in a November 2014 rating decision and require issuance of a statement of the case.

The Veteran's PTSD is not rated higher than 50 percent from May 31, 2012 to July 13, 2016.,Service connection for right hand disability and bilateral elbow disability are denied as they do not meet the criteria of a qualifying chronic disease or undiagnosed illness.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating. The Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and a disability manifested by chest pain. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding these claims.