PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a nervous condition and PTSD has been reopened, and the Board has granted both claims.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses and ambulance services incurred during a non-VA hospitalization on August 2, 2014 for a Xanax overdose related to his service-connected PTSD with alcohol abuse are granted. The Board found that the private hospitalization was in an emergency situation where delay would have been hazardous to life or health.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD with panic attacks and dissociative symptoms are being remanded for further evaluation due to his testimony indicating a worsening of the condition since his last VA examination in January 2014. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it was raised during the hearing.

The VA denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD and also denied the claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and an updated VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for hypertension associated with posttraumatic stress disorder has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran during the appeal process.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are remanded due to inadequate examinations, and new evidence is needed.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, is granted as service connected.

An effective date prior to December 3, 2012 for PTSD is dismissed.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings of 20 percent for cervical strain and 30 percent for PTSD have been dismissed due to the Veteran requesting withdrawal of these issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, heart palpitations, an acquired psychiatric disorder (likely PTSD or another diagnosed condition), plantar keratotic lesions, and right-side nose scar as there may be outstanding VA treatment records that have not been associated with the claims file.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including lumbar spine disorder, right knee disorder, headaches, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), bilateral upper and lower extremity radiculopathy, and bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy. The issues remain on appeal.

The Veteran's separation pay was withheld from his VA disability compensation due to the laws and regulations that prohibit such withholding for involuntary separation or SSA withholdings.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the issues of hypertension, erectile dysfunction, left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, and PTSD. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's service connection for hypertension, heart disability, and PTSD is granted. However, the effective date of service connection for PTSD cannot be earlier than May 28, 1985.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation for the period prior to July 24, 2013 on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's claims for PFB and PTSD are being remanded due to the need for new examinations to assess current symptoms and their impact on his ability to function.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to determine if the Veteran's PTSD and/or posttraumatic neuralgia contributed substantially or materially to his cause of death.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder is rated at 70 percent from September 24, 2002 to September 4, 2013. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service connected disorders has been granted.