PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected dermatophytosis of the bilateral feet and PTSD prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, leading to a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and granted. The Board found that the evidence established a current disability, continuity of symptomatology since service, and a nexus between the claimed in-service injury or disease and the current condition.,Service connection has been granted for obstructive sleep apnea as it is related to active service.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, MDD, asthma, and other conditions.

The Veteran's disability rating for lung cancer was reduced from 100% to 30%, effective September 1, 2014. The Board also granted TDIU based on the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has expanded the claim to include service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder. The Veteran's psychiatric conditions are currently diagnosed, but there is insufficient evidence to determine if they are related to his in-service stressors or service.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and substance abuse-induced mood disorder with depressive symptoms, as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or were related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with the DSM.,The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for primary insomnia was also denied due to lack of occupational and social impairment that meets the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the increased disability ratings and TDIU claim remain denied.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee patellofemoral syndrome and a TDIU prior to July 28, 2014 was dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea was denied as his sleep apnea is not related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's depression, bipolar disability, and prostate cancer are service connected. The Veteran is also granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is remanded due to the need for updated functional limitation opinions and VA examinations, as well as the retrieval of outstanding medical records.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation and an earlier effective date for PTSD with near continuous depression was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 70 percent, but granted an effective date of January 31, 2011.

The Veteran's PTSD is now rated at 70 percent, effective May 7, 2007. The rating reflects that his disability results in deficiencies in most areas but does not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and severance of service connection was granted. The Veteran received a 60 percent rating for coronary artery disease, which is the maximum allowed under current regulations. Service connection for left ear hearing loss was restored due to improper severance. The Veteran also received TDIU benefits effective July 28, 2011.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the maximum allowed by law. The rating reflects occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as presumptively related to herbicide exposure. The claims for scrotal cellulitis and perineal ulcers, and PTSD are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining any gainful employment, and he is therefore denied a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with jurisdiction and effective dates, including a TDIU claim. The earlier effective date for the TDIU is being remanded alongside the PTSD rating issue.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied due to lack of evidence showing a confirmed diagnosis and no stressor event during service.,Service connection for tinnitus was denied as there is no indication that the condition began during or soon after service.

The Veteran's PTSD and migraine headaches are currently rated at 50% and 30%, respectively. The Board has decided to remand both issues for further evaluation due to the need for additional medical examinations.