PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 50 percent evaluation of PTSD and depressive disorder not otherwise specified with alcohol abuse (previously diagnosed as insomnia) is denied. The earliest effective date granted was April 8, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for PTSD has been dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. The Veteran will need to provide more accurate information about his symptoms and functional impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder has worsened since the last examination, and a new VA examination is needed to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a rating of 50 percent from May 13, 2008 to November 28, 2016. As of November 29, 2016, the Veteran is entitled to a 100 percent rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal regarding a higher rating for PTSD prior to January 22, 1990 is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of the former rating criteria.,The issue of entitlement to TDIU for the period prior to January 22, 1990 is also being remanded.

The claim for service connection for a low back disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examinations.

The Board found no evidence of a current acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD and Depression, meeting the diagnostic criteria set forth in the DSM. The Veteran's diagnoses were speculative or not based on VA examinations designed to determine if he met these criteria.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD has been granted a 70 percent rating from October 27, 2014. The evidence supports the finding of total occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation, near-continuous panic or depression affecting ability to function independently, appropriate and effectively, and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a rating in excess of 10 percent for dry eye syndrome, left eye, and ratings in excess of 20 percent for patellar tendinitis with retropatellar pain syndrome, left knee, and retropatellar pain syndrome, right knee.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder are attributable to his active military service, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the need for additional records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's OSA is granted as service-connected, and the initial rating for PTSD remains at 50 percent.,The Veteran's request for an increased rating for PTSD to a higher than 50 percent rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for breathing disorder/bronchitis, coronary artery disease, status post myocardial infarction, headaches, and psychiatric disability (claimed as PTSD) due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset or relationship of these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. However, additional development is needed as a VA examination is required to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's cause of death was atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which was contributed to by his service-connected PTSD. The appellant is recognized as the surviving spouse and the claim for service connection for cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is being remanded for a new examination to assess the current severity of his condition, and his claim for TDIU is also being remanded due to its interrelated nature with the rating issue.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is currently rated at 50 percent disabling. The Board denied an increased rating and TDIU based on the severity of his symptoms not warranting a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical records and the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to his service.

Service connection for tinnitus is granted.,Service connection for an abdominal condition, to include Gulf War syndrome, is denied.,As new and material evidence has been received, the petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD is granted.