PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and credibility issues regarding the Veteran's reported PTSD symptoms. The Veteran needs a new VA examination by a different qualified clinician, with full explanations for any conclusions.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and remanded the issues of initial compensable ratings for cervical spine disability, right knee disability, lumbar spine disability, and right great toenail disability.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent from November 1, 2009 to May 14, 2015. The Board found that the symptoms were mild and did not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, previously characterized as PTSD, has been reopened. The appeal is granted to this extent only.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, cervical strain, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, left lower extremity sciatica, right hip strain, and left hip and left knee disabilities. The issues include seeking higher initial ratings for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD. The appeal is not about service connection under Chapter 17.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the appeal for an increased rating has been denied. The Veteran also maintains entitlement to a TDIU on a schedular basis, which was granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment due to his symptoms, including difficulty sleeping and nightmares related to PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 70% rating effective May 2, 2005. The Veteran's SMC based on aid and attendance was granted effective April 3, 2006.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus and PTSD with associated dysthymia was granted. The effective date for the 70% rating for PTSD is June 8, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression and PTSD. The Veteran must be provided with a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to his service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The remand requires that the Veteran undergo a VA examination to assess his occupational and social impairment with respect to his PTSD, including its effect on his employability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is linked to military sexual trauma, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed substantially and materially to his cause of death, end-stage cardiac disease. The decision is in favor of granting service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are related to his service. The Veteran needs a new examination to determine if any diagnosed disorders, including depression and PTSD, are at least as likely as not caused by in-service stressors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection, increased rating, and TDIU are remanded due to incomplete medical records and need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected. The claim for a TDIU rating prior to June 9, 2009, is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a review by the AOJ.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and an increased rating for his left shoulder disability due to incomplete information regarding the claimed stressors. The Veteran is diagnosed with PTSD based on two in-service stressors, but the date range for one of them could not be verified. For the left shoulder disability, a new examination is required as the previous VA examination did not provide adequate testing and failed to consider whether the condition flares up.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's sleep apnea is not related to his active service or his service-connected PTSD, and thus remanded for further development.