PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied because the claimed in-service stressors were not verified and there was no medical evidence linking his current PTSD to any events or conditions during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in a need for regular aid and attendance, which has been granted SMC at the (l) level.

The Veteran's total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was effective from March 1, 2010. The Appellant is not entitled to enhanced DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1311(a)(2) as the Veteran did not have a continuous period of at least eight years of total disability prior to his death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened and is granted. The Board found new and material evidence to support the reopening of the claim, including a diagnosis of PTSD from VA treatment records and statements from the Veteran regarding in-service stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from May 5, 2010 to May 31, 2015. A higher rating for PTSD since June 1, 2015 is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has worsened, and a new VA examination is needed to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection has been reopened and granted. The Board found new and material evidence to support the reopening of his claims for left knee, right shoulder, left shoulder, rib contusion, bilateral foot disorder (other than skin disorder), and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent since August 27, 2010. The Board finds that there was no factually ascertainable increase in disability prior to April 15, 2014, warranting a higher rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. The Veteran's symptoms began in or are related to his active duty service.

The Board dismissed the appeals due to the Veteran's death, and no jurisdiction remains for the merits of these claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause and aggravation of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea by his service-connected PTSD and lumbar spine disability. The Veteran will need to provide additional medical records, including those from private treatment providers who have linked his sleep apnea to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has decided that a remand is required for the Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea, which he claims is secondary to his service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder. The VA medical opinion on this question was found to be inadequate.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and fungal dermatitis do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for lumbar strain, right ear hearing loss, PTSD, and bilateral hip disability as new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the increased disability rating for PTSD, and the Board is dismissing this issue.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for inguinal hernia. The claims for back disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, myeloma, peripheral neuropathy (left upper extremity), peripheral neuropathy (left lower extremity), radiculopathy (right lower extremity), and an acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder) are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and effective dates is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records. The issues of TDIU are also inextricably intertwined with the rating claims.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating effective March 18, 2010. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder was denied. The Board also remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD, anxiety, and depression was denied in August 2011. New evidence has reopened the claim, and service connection is granted for PTSD with bipolar disorder.,Service connection is also granted for tinnitus.