PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has granted the reopening of the claim regarding whether the appellant's character of discharge is a bar to VA benefits, other than health care under Chapter 17. The case will be remanded for further examination and evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The Board has granted a TDIU from November 29, 2012.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has ordered a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition due to recent hospitalization.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD have been rated at 70 percent since September 22, 2015. The Board found that the overall social and occupational impairment caused by his disability most nearly approximates a rating of 70 percent but not higher. Service connection for diabetes as a result of herbicide exposure is remanded due to lack of verification of service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for service-connected PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Anxiety disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service. The PTSD is linked to combat stressors in Vietnam and Desert Storm, while the anxiety disorder is found to be related to service due to multiple factors including combat exposure.

The Veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD claim has been granted with a 50% rating. The Board finds the evidence insufficient for an increased rating and remands his claims for back condition and heart disability.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if hypertension is related to service-connected PTSD, and to assess the current severity of PTSD.

This decision denies service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran's sleep disorder, PTSD, degenerative changes L5-S1 spine, bilateral lower extremity sciaticus, right total knee replacement, left knee degenerative arthritis, and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 30 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder is being remanded due to the addition of new VA treatment records and Vet Center records. The AOJ will review this evidence before making a decision.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and requests for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and verifying in-service stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to August 28, 2013. The Board granted an initial 50 percent rating for PTSD from February 1, 2012.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lower back condition due to new and material evidence. The remaining issues of service connection are remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate medical opinions and needs further examination for both sleep apnea disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to uncertainty about whether the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD and if it is related to an in-service stressor. The Veteran needs to be examined by a psychiatrist to clarify these points.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and TBI, effective from August 29, 2011. The decision is based on the date of receipt of the original claim.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder. The issue of establishing eligibility for VA treatment pursuant to the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1702 is dismissed as moot due to the grant of service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for several issues, including reopening a previously denied asthma claim and increasing disability ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The TDIU issue is also being remanded due to insufficient information about the Veteran's employment history.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for PTSD and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.