PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the Veteran to undergo VA examinations and for additional development in connection with his claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, cataracts, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, stroke residuals, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, depression, anxiety).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, due to herbicide exposure at Takhli RTAFB, is granted. The claim for PTSD was denied as new and material evidence did not support the reopening of the claim.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his PTSD remains on appeal as the RO increased his disability rating to 50 percent in April 2017. The Board has previously remanded this case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination. However, the VAMC failed to send the Veteran an updated appointment letter with his current address, leading to another remand.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, characterized as PTSD and dysthymia, has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The Board has determined that there is sufficient evidence to establish a current diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service.

The petition to reopen the previously denied claim for entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder, alcohol abuse and PTSD is granted. The claim is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran is granted an initial 70 percent disability rating for PTSD with sleep impairment since January 28, 2011. The decision also grants entitlement to a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) since the same date.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased evaluation of rhinitis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under Diagnostic Code 6522.,The claim to reopen service connection for a low back disorder was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,The claim to reopen service connection for a right knee disorder was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,The claim to reopen service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, secondary to rhinitis, was granted. The Board found that the evidence raised a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.,The claim to reopen service connection for a neck disorder was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 60 percent for chronic fatigue syndrome is being remanded due to the need for further consideration and review.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, Adjustment Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and service.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and remanded the issue of service connection for a low back disorder. The denial was based on insufficient evidence to verify the claimed in-service stressors, leading to a lack of a causal relationship between current PTSD symptoms and service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's ability to work prior to January 23, 2014. The VA needs to request a medical opinion on the functional impact of his service-connected disabilities during that period.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and adjustment disorder with depression and anxiety, due to the Veteran's fear of hostile military or terrorist activity during his service in Bahrain.

The Board has remanded several claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the claim remains denied.

The appeal for service connection of ruptured discs of the lower back has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew from appeal. The claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is remanded.

The Veteran's skin condition is remanded for a VA examination to determine if it is related to his military service. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, is also remanded for an additional VA examination to clarify the nature and etiology of the disorders.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that her current condition is related to pre-service trauma and not aggravated by military service.

The Board granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD from May 11, 2009. Prior to that date, the Veteran's symptoms were rated at 50 percent.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, persistent depressive disorder, and malignant melanoma have been granted. The claim for a skin disorder other than malignant melanoma to include sarcoma is remanded. The claim for scars on the face, neck, ears, and cheeks is also remanded.,PTSD and persistent depressive disorder are now service-connected. Malignant melanoma remains in dispute due to lack of evidence linking it to herbicide exposure or service. A skin disorder other than malignant melanoma (to include sarcoma) and scars on the face, neck, ears, and cheeks also require further examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a psychiatric disorder has been reopened and granted. The appeal is also remanded for further examination and opinion regarding secondary service connection for right hand disability, hepatitis C, and TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal of the calculation of his combined rating, which was assigned a 60 percent rating in July 2014, is denied. The AOJ properly calculated the combined rating based on individual ratings at that time.