PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD and anxiety disorder are rated at a 70 percent disability rating prior to June 4, 2014. A higher rating is denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is related to service. The Veteran will need to provide private medical records and VA will request additional service personnel and medical records.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for low back disability and acquired psychiatric disorder (including alcohol abuse, PTSD, depression, anxiety) due to incomplete service records. The AOJ is required to obtain all relevant service treatment records and personnel records from January 1960 to January 1990. They are also instructed to clarify the Veteran's periods of active duty, ACDUTRA, and INACDUTRA. Additionally, a psychiatric examination must be conducted to assess the nature and etiology of any current mental disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied as he does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.,A 10 percent rating, but no higher, is granted for a sprain of the right third finger PIP joint due to pain without limitation of motion.,Service connection for costochondritis (Tietze Syndrome) is denied as there is no evidence meeting the service connection requirements.,The Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, left shoulder impingement, and chronic lumbar strain are remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for right ear hearing loss, initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for left ear hearing loss, and initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the Veteran's headache diagnosis and severity, as well as the need for updated VA outpatient records. The Veteran will be provided with additional examination and review of his medical history.

The claim for TDIU is dismissed as the Veteran's PTSD has been granted and his left arm disability rated at 100% since May 1, 2007. The increased rating claim for the left arm is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain records from Brooke Army Medical Center and for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is related to an in-service sexual assault.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol and cannabis abuse is being remanded for a new examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to an inadequate VA examination and a need for further development, including scheduling the Veteran for another examination.

The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD and concluded that the Veteran did not have any acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD related to service. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depression, low back disability, neck disability, right shoulder disability, and left shoulder disability have been granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his claims before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from September 6, 2005 to September 28, 2015. The Board also granted a TDIU effective April 21, 2008.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a new VA examination to assess whether the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD or any other mental health disability, and if so, whether it is related to his military service.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is granted service connection. Tinnitus is denied as not related to service. Hypertension is also denied as not related to service. Cardiovascular disorder (arteriosclerosis), kidney disorder, and diabetes mellitus are all denied on secondary basis.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his PTSD with alcohol dependence and TBI does not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation of PTSD from September 3, 2009 to April 13, 2011 is denied. The appeal is remanded for further development on several issues.