PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, needs further development due to incomplete medical records and the need for an opinion on the etiology of any diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a right thumb disability was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.,The Veteran's appeals for effective dates prior to August 28, 2009 for PTSD and PFB were denied because there is no evidence of intent to reopen previously denied claims. The Veteran did not file any claims or communications regarding these conditions until after August 28, 2009.,The Veteran's appeal for effective dates prior to August 28, 2009 for a spine disability was denied because there is no evidence of intent to reopen previously denied claims. The Veteran did not file any claims or communications regarding this condition until after August 28, 2009.,The Veteran's appeal for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent disabling for PTSD was remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease, type II diabetes mellitus, and umbilical hernia, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. Therefore, he is granted a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability.

The Board has decided that the VA's previous determination of not granting service connection for PTSD is incorrect and requires further review.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) based on his service-connected PTSD and other disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100% disability rating from September 27, 2010 to October 1, 2012. The issue of entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is moot as the Veteran no longer meets the criteria for TDIU due to his current service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran was granted TDIU from August 17, 2016 to November 7, 2017 due to his service-connected disabilities. Effective November 7, 2017, the issue of TDIU is moot as he now has a combined rating of 100%.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected based on a confirmed in-service stressor related to his Persian Gulf deployment. The Veteran's lay testimony and medical evidence confirm the occurrence of this stressor, leading to a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board dismissed the petition to reopen the claim of service connection for hearing loss. The petitions to reopen claims for service connection for tinnitus, sinusitis, migraines, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) were granted. Service connection was denied for a left hip disorder, right hip disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and low back disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's credible account of an in-service personal assault is sufficient to establish a diagnosis and link between his current symptoms and the stressor. The Board also found support for other acquired psychiatric disorders such as anxiety disorder and depressive disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected stressor related/anxiety disorder (claimed as PTSD) rated at 70 percent does not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD due to new and material evidence, but denied the claim as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, qualifying for special monthly compensation at the higher rate. He also qualifies for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing due to his significant service-connected disability affecting both lower extremities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Depression, as well as his claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The claims are being remanded to attempt verification of in-service stressors, conduct a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any PTSD, and consider other acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his honorable periods of service and for health care under Chapter 17, Title 38, United States Code.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient VA examination reports and the need for additional medical records. The Veteran's allegations of in-service assault, beatings, and injection with sodium pentothal are considered.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including bilateral foot disability, bilateral hearing loss, sinusitis, and an acquired psychiatric disability. The evidence submitted since the last denial was found to be cumulative and not new or material.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include increased disability ratings for left and right knee disabilities, a right shoulder disability, and right shoulder scarring.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further action on his claims of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, ischemic heart disease, and TDIU.