PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD results in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating effective May 15, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before a decision on the merits may be made regarding increased disability ratings for the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and hip disability. The Veteran was last provided a VA examination relating to his service-connected disabilities in September 2014, nearly four years ago. In light of the Veteran’s assertions, new VA examinations are required so that the current nature and severity of his service-connected disabilities may be determined.

The Board has decided that further development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's CVS and whether it should be considered service-connected, either as a separate disability or related to his PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been shown to preclude substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that he is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities on a schedular basis since March 11, 2008. The appeal for TDIU from February 28, 2008, to March 11, 2008, will be forwarded to the Director of Compensation and Pension Services for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and/or PTSD is granted. The case is remanded to obtain a VA examination and determine the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol and cannabis abuse is rated at a 70 percent disability rating since March 21, 2011.,Service connection for left shoulder strain and tendinitis, right shoulder strain and tendinitis, and lumbar strain are granted.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for right shoulder disability and acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's right shoulder condition may be related to service, but a VA examination is needed to confirm this. For his psychiatric disorder, an additional examination is required as the current one did not consider all stressors reported by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of frostbite to the lower extremities is denied. The appeal regarding PTSD was also denied, with a rating in excess of 70 percent being denied on and after November 23, 2015.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and granted it, finding that there is at least equipoise evidence to support a link between the Veteran's current PTSD and his in-service stressor.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased initial rating for PTSD with somatic symptom disorder before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and depression, bilateral tinnitus, excessive weight gain and obesity, diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral pes planus, left index finger condition (not diagnosed), neck pain, lower back pain, COPD, dizziness, and chronic UTI and incontinence have been granted. The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss are denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's PTSD diagnosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded in several instances due to insufficient evidence or need for further medical evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the cases due to insufficient medical evidence and missing records. The Veteran's sleep apnea claim is being reviewed again, as well as his PTSD rating and TDIU claims.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol dependence in early remission prior to August 15, 2015 did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating or TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a Gulf War examination to assess the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and right testicle orchialgia disabilities make it impossible for him to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, Hepatitis B, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and a back disability due to the need for VA examinations.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD and dysthymic disorder, is granted service connection due to the link between his reported in-service stressor and current symptoms.