PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD and stressors. The Veteran will need a new VA examination, verification of his claimed stressors, and access to all relevant medical records.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board finds that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorders, including whether service-connected fibromyalgia has aggravated any such conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), headaches, a right index finger partial amputation with neuropathy, and tinnitus due to incomplete development of evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors and exposure to herbicide agents. The eye disability claim is denied as there is no credible evidence of an in-service injury or disease, and the psychiatric disorder claims are denied because the reported stressor cannot be verified.

The Veteran's initial disability rating of 30 percent for the undiagnosed illness manifested by headaches and dizziness is granted, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran's PTSD remains rated at 70 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective July 31, 2013.,The issue of entitlement to a TDIU has been raised as part and parcel of the claim for an increased rating.

The Veteran's PTSD was not found to warrant a rating in excess of 50 percent prior to November 23, 2016.,The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period prior to November 23, 2016 remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for an anxiety disorder and a depressive disorder, both related to the Veteran's in-service stressor of witnessing a tank accident. The issues of entitlement to service connection for substance-related disorders, residuals of attempted suicides, hepatitis C, liver disorder, fatigue, special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance of another, and total disability rating based on individual unemployability are also addressed.

The Board denied service connection for obesity and remanded the issue of service connection for PTSD due to military sexual trauma.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy and PTSD, finding that new and material evidence supports these claims. The Board also granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service connection was established due to new evidence of a sexual assault during her military service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is linked to his obstructive sleep apnea, which developed due to obesity. His PTSD symptoms are rated at 50 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him in need of regular aid and attendance due to its effects on his daily activities, memory, concentration, energy level, and mood. The Board granted SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD, a mood disorder, and depression) due to incomplete records and conflicting medical opinions. The claims are inextricably intertwined with each other.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has decided to remand the case for a more thorough examination to determine if his condition warrants a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Anxious and Depressed Moods, finding that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and his substance abuse disorders were not related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and incomplete medical records. The Veteran's psychiatric disability, claimed as PTSD, needs further evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, depression, and schizophrenia has been reopened. Service connection is granted for PTSD. Claims for secondary service connection for heart condition due to PTSD, hypercholesterolemia, brain trauma, arthritis of the hands, neck, back, and shoulders, and degenerative joint of the sacroiliac joint are also granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to concerns about the validity of the Veteran's reported stressors for PTSD and Depression. A new VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.