PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that a new examination is needed to evaluate the Veteran for mental disorders other than PTSD, as the previous examination was restricted to PTSD only.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and his tinnitus is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent. The appeal for service connection for PTSD has been remanded due to unverified stressors.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) will be granted if verified stressors are found.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss disability is denied on a schedular and extraschedular basis. The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since June 15, 2017, and the appeal for higher ratings remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for PTSD and anxiety neurosis, as well as his claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, are being remanded for further action.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for updated medical records and a VA examination. The stroke may be related to his service-connected CAD, but this needs to be clarified.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted. The appeal for a compensable initial disability rating for bilateral hearing loss was dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, and the case is remanded for further action regarding entitlement to a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is at least as likely as not related to his in-service personal assaults and has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and Bipolar Disorder is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence that suggests these conditions may have onset during his period of service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 100 percent disabling, reflecting total occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as gross impairment in thought processes or communication, persistent delusions, and grossly inappropriate behavior.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as being secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal of the issue of entitlement to service connection for hypertension has been dismissed due to his request for withdrawal prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for unspecified psychosis disorder is granted. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD and MDD (which includes major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder), is denied. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since January 29, 2008.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in total occupational and social impairment from October 31, 2007 through October 7, 2011. A 100 percent disability rating is granted for this period.

The Veteran's death was caused by end stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which the VA has determined was aggravated by his service-connected gastritis. The Board is remanding the case for further development regarding the service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and mood disorder, as secondary to service-connected gastritis.

The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded for further evaluation and consideration of his claims, including the issue of TDIU which is inextricably intertwined with this claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed stressor and a need for further examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70 percent disability evaluation, effective from April 29, 2016. All other service-connected conditions remain unchanged.

The Veteran's PTSD and TBI have worsened since his last VA examination, and he should be evaluated to determine the current severity of these conditions.