PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and entitlement to TDIU are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and a combined effects opinion on employment.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for PTSD has been granted. The claims for increased ratings of migraines, anxiety and depression, and chronic rhinitis with sinusitis are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, cervical spine disability, and lumbar spine disability have worsened. The Board finds that new VA examinations are needed to assess the current severity of these disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is remanded due to the need for additional examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is granted as service-connected. The lumbar disability remains at a 60% rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted as service connected due to the medical evidence linking his in-service stressors with his current conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient verification of the Veteran's reported stressor for PTSD and depression. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to insufficient opinions regarding the causes of the Veteran's disabilities and whether they are related to service.

The Board is remanding the case due to VA's failure to provide proper notice and assistance in obtaining private treatment records for PTSD. The Veteran must be given an opportunity to submit or authorize VA to obtain these records.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including blood clots, sleep apnea, prostate cancer, high blood pressure, fallen arches, and a psychiatric disorder (PTSD), have been denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are inextricably intertwined with his claims for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder distinct from PTSD, as well as his claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU). Therefore, these issues must be remanded to allow VA to obtain all available service treatment records and corroborate the Veteran's reported stressors. Additionally, the Veteran needs to have additional medical examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination reports and the need for additional VA treatment records. The Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including depressive disorder and PTSD, will be evaluated again.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, adjustment disorder, major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder due to a lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed in-service stressors.

The Veteran's acquired psychological disorder is rated at 70 percent since September 30, 2008. The Board also granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has dismissed the issue of entitlement to service connection for a right knee disorder. The Veteran's claim for PTSD is remanded due to insufficient evidence and conflicting medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, memory loss, depression, insomnia, nightmares, and adjustment reaction is denied as there is no current diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder for VA compensation purposes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and sleep apnea, are likely to render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims due to incomplete evidence and a canceled hearing. The claims for bilateral knee degenerative joint disease, degenerative joint disease lumbar spine, right ankle disorder, coronary artery disease (claimed as heart attack and heart problems), and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) are being returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional treatment records.