PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for depression, anxiety, and an acquired psychiatric disability (to include PTSD) are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD prior to November 7, 2016 was denied. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted. As of November 7, 2016, the Veteran received a 70% rating for his PTSD.

Your appeal for an increased rating for PTSD has been dismissed because the appellant requested to withdraw the appeal.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, diabetes mellitus (type II), prostate disability (secondary to herbicide exposure), lung disability, and initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder have been granted. The effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is February 9, 2012, while the effective dates for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are May 9, 2017.

The Veteran's increased disability rating for PTSD from 30% to 70% is granted. The issue of service connection for sleep apnea, secondary to the service-connected PTSD and due to Gulf War environmental exposures, is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD or pain from his other disabilities caused or aggravated his heart disease, which was the cause of death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Erectile Dysfunction is caused by medications used to treat his service-connected Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected PTSD, which alone renders him unable to follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient examination reports and lack of evidence regarding the onset and relationship of his disabilities. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's claim of PTSD was reopened and granted service connection with an effective date of June 30, 2014. The claims for increased ratings for depressive disorder and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity were remanded.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) has been granted at a 60 percent level, effective from the date of this decision. The Veteran also received TDIU and SMC benefits based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to in-service sexual harassment and MST.

The Veteran's service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted. The initial disability rating for PTSD remains at 30 percent prior to January 19, 2017, and increases to 70 percent from that date forward.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and procedural issues. The claims include service connection for various conditions, including benign prostatic hyperplasia, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, sleep disorder, MDD, and GAD), hiatal hernia, GERD, PUD, chronic colitis, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, degenerative joint disease of both hips, degenerative joint disease of both knees, degenerative joint disease of both feet, conjunctivitis, and hypertensive cardiovascular disease.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for TMJ/bruxism, a rating increase for PTSD, and an earlier effective date for the PTSD disability rating are being remanded due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation from December 25, 2008 to July 9, 2012. The Board has remanded the issue of TDIU for further review.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability is remanded due to the need for further examination.,Service connection has been granted for tinnitus, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA medical examination regarding the appellant's mental health at the time of his discharge.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his military service in Iraq. The alcohol abuse disorder is not considered a service-connected condition.