PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD is granted as he has a current diagnosis of PTSD related to verified in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was denied, and his TDIU claim was also denied as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and coronary artery disease make him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's IBS/ulcerative colitis status post proctocolectomy and ileostomy, as well as his PTSD with MDD, need further examination to determine their relationship to service.

The Veteran's death was due to metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma, which is service-connected. The lung disability is also service-connected as it is a result of the liver cancer.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, particularly PTSD. The case will be returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected lumbar spine tendonitis and PTSD, as well as the claim for a TDIU are being remanded due to inadequate examinations in April 2015 and May 2015. The Board requires new VA examinations to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD due to insufficient evidence from a previous examination conducted under DSM-5, which is not applicable to these cases.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has decided to remand the case for a VA medical examination to determine if the appellant was insane at the time of his discharge due to assault with a dangerous weapon and involuntary manslaughter.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, vestibular/balance disorder (claimed as dizziness), left knee disorder, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy due to outstanding records and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding medical records not being obtained. The Veteran is asked to provide authorization forms for any private treatment records from Lakeland Regional Medical Center and Winter Haven Hospital.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is granted service connection. The rating for migraines remains remanded as a new examination is needed to assess the severity of his headaches. The TDIU issue is also remanded due to its inextricably intertwined relationship with the migraine issue.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's PTSD warrants a remand for further evaluation and development, including obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) records and arranging for a VA examination. The TDIU claim is also being remanded due to its inextricability with the PTSD rating issue.

The Board denied service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and his lay statements are insufficient to establish the occurrence of an in-service stressor.

The Board has denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and headaches, and has remanded the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, was denied as the appeal was untimely filed.

The appeal for service connection of a right knee disability and COPD associated with asbestos exposure is dismissed. Service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issues of increased PTSD rating and TDIU. The case is being returned to VA for further development.

The Veteran is found to be unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, particularly PTSD, back pain, neck pain, and right wrist disability. The Board has granted the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU prior to June 9, 2015 are remanded due to the need for new evidence and an updated VA examination.