PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been evaluated based on the severity of their impact, with no higher ratings being warranted.,PTSD was denied as there is no current diagnosis or supporting evidence.

The Board has directed that the Veteran be provided with a VA medical opinion regarding whether his obstructive sleep apnea is caused by or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. The remand requires consideration of articles submitted in support of the claim.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and the identification of new claims. The initial compensable rating for service-connected spot on right lung due to asbestos exposure requires further evaluation, and other issues related to heart disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, stomach disorder, spine and knee problems, and COPD are also raised.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, fibromyalgia, and right rhomboid muscle strain, have resulted in total occupational impairment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined rating of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at noncompensable prior to February 4, 2015 and at 10 percent after that date.,PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to June 13, 2011. The Veteran's PTSD has been found to have caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas since June 13, 2011.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and a temporary total rating have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeals prior to the decision being made.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date of July 24, 2009 for a 40 percent rating for myalgias (claimed as fibromyalgia to include knees, legs, neck, shoulders, arms, back, and joint pain) is granted. The Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is also granted with an effective date of July 24, 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and sleep apnea, prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment since January 1, 2011.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board denied both the request for an increased rating and the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service connected. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for treatment purposes for psychosis under 38 U.S.C. § 1702.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied as there is no valid diagnosis of PTSD. The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder, however, has been found to be service-connected.,The Veteran's left ankle disability received a temporary total rating during his convalescence period from March 18, 2016 to May 31, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is remanded due to increased symptoms and the need for updated VA treatment records, a new examination, and a vocational evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and service connection are being remanded due to procedural issues. The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss were granted service connection with an effective date of May 27, 2014. Service connection for hypothyroidism, hypertension, migraine headaches, erectile dysfunction, and sleep apnea is denied as the evidence does not support a link between these conditions and service.

The Board denied service connection for prostate disorder, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include sleep disturbance and depressive disorder as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions had their onset in service or were related to active service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection and he is also granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, coronary artery disease, and left knee disability render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has denied entitlement to higher ratings. The evidence does not support a finding of total occupational or social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has denied an increased rating as well as TDIU due to lack of evidence showing total occupational and social impairment.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, and tinnitus due to lack of evidence showing a current disability related to service. Service connection was also denied for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities as there is no evidence that these conditions are related to service or exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee disability and PTSD, as well as his TDIU claim are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.