PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease due to exposure to herbicide agents, including Agent Orange. However, the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral foot disorder, bilateral knee disorder, bilateral hearing loss, skin disorder involving the feet, and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) due to new evidence received since the last denial of these claims.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding hypertension, migraines, short term memory loss, and a rating in excess of 30 percent for actinic keratosis. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD) was granted with a 30% rating.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and remanded the issue of service connection for lumbar spine injury with residuals.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety, has been reopened and granted. His right knee disability is also granted with an initial rating of 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disability and its relationship to his service-connected conditions. The claim for service connection will be further evaluated after obtaining additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and initial rating for PTSD are being remanded due to the need for updated VA medical records, an examination by a VA Otolaryngologist, and another examination of the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that a new examination is necessary to determine if his condition warrants a higher rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an earlier effective date of July 30, 2014, for a 70% rating for PTSD. The Board dismissed the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, specifically whether they are related to service-connected tinnitus. The VA is instructed to obtain additional medical records, provide VCAA notice on establishing an in-service stressor based on personal assault, schedule a new VA examination, and consider aggravation claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and depression have been granted. However, the claim for a compensable evaluation for his resolved left knee strain has been denied.

The Board has determined that the April 2013 rating decision was not final and remanded the claims for further development. The Veteran's back disability claim is being remanded to obtain an addendum medical opinion, while his PTSD claim requires verification of reported stressors.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and service connection for ventricular arrhythmia (claimed as irregular heartbeat) are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and development of records.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, lumbar spine disability, and tinnitus were granted with an effective date of May 16, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and tinnitus, do not render him unemployable due to his high-functioning capacity despite the presence of symptoms.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 50 percent disability rating throughout the appeal period, which includes frequent nightmares, panic attacks, impaired memory, and irritability. The Board finds that these symptoms meet the criteria for a 50 percent rating but not higher.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal for an effective date prior to February 29, 2012 for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for Hepatitis C, an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to insufficient evidence. The claims will be further developed as outlined in the decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for heart disease other than atrial fibrillation with left ventricular hypokinesis was denied.,PTSD was rated at 50 percent, and the Veteran's appeal for an increased rating remains denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened, but the claim remains denied.,The Veteran's right wrist condition is rated at 10 percent and no higher.