PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The appeal for service connection and increased ratings has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder and PTSD have been granted a 70% disability rating, effective September 5, 2018. The Board also granted TDIU effective September 19, 2014.

The Board dismissed the claims for diabetes mellitus and temporary total evaluation due to hospital treatment in excess of 21 days. The claim for service connection for depression was reopened, but not granted. The claim for PTSD was also reopened, but not granted. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disability including depression, anxiety, and insomnia is remanded.

The Board has reopened the claims for PTSD and an acquired mental disorder other than PTSD, but remanded due to need for additional evidence.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left carpal tunnel release, bilateral eye disorders, PTSD, fibromyalgia, hemorrhoids, and seasonal allergies. The Veteran will need additional examinations and evaluations for these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions and service. The Veteran needs to provide authorization for VA to obtain private treatment records, and a VA examiner is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected back, shoulder, PTSD, and ulnar neuropathy disabilities rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment prior to December 4, 2014. The Board granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD and his claim for TDIU are being remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records. Additionally, a VA opinion is needed regarding the impact of his service-connected diabetes and peripheral neuropathy on his employment.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and benign hypertrophy of the prostate associated with exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, finding that there was no current disability meeting the criteria for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD has increased in severity, and a new VA examination is needed to assess the current level of disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, right knee disorder, and higher ratings for diabetic neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities affecting both the sciatic and femoral nerves are being remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding his diagnoses and etiology. Effective dates prior to November 16, 2012, for the assignment of 20 percent ratings for diabetic neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities affecting the sciatic nerve and femoral nerve are also being remanded.

Entitlement to an effective date prior to February 7, 2014 for the grant of service connection for headaches and TBI is denied.,TDIU granted based on service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and gastrointestinal condition secondary to PTSD are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for residuals of cervical spine fracture, bilateral eye condition, bilateral hearing loss, TBI, headaches, weakness on left side of body, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) due to outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is also remanded as there are no current medical opinions linking any diagnosed psychiatric disorders to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50%, but the Board finds that a higher rating of 70% is warranted due to his suicidal thoughts and other symptoms. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and erectile dysfunction are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent for the entire appeal period, and he is granted a TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The AOJ is required to verify her service in the United States Army Reserve and/or Vermont Air National Guard, obtain records from Walson Army Hospital at Fort Dix, New Jersey, military police report dated in October 1968, Inspector General complaint records, private psychiatric treatment records from Dr. S.B.G., and abortion records from the Women's Health Center in Colchester, Vermont.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection of bilateral hearing loss was granted. Service connection for this condition is denied.,PTSD has been granted at a 70% disability rating from November 18, 2010 to September 9, 2012 and at a 100% disability rating starting from September 10, 2012. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also granted during this period.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted, and he is now entitled to VA benefits related to this condition. His initial rating for bilateral hearing loss remains at 20 percent, but his case for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to his disabilities will be remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, major depressive disorder (MDD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), has been reopened. The appeal is granted to this extent.