PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a sleep disability, hiatal hernia, and PTSD, as well as the evaluation of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and left leg radiculopathy due to incomplete development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to reconcile psychiatric diagnoses and determine their etiology.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and no further action can be taken on this case.

The Veteran's appeal of the issue regarding an acquired psychiatric disability is dismissed. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a left knee disability.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to be obtained and the appeal must be remanded for further action.

The Board has ordered a new examination to assess the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and physical impairments of his right hand and legs. The goal is to determine if these conditions render him helpless requiring A&A or HB.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, lumbar spine injury with subsequent osteoarthritis (curved spine), pinched nerve of the cervical spine, mild degenerative changes in the left leg and knee, and prostate cancer, preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment. As a result, his claim for TDIU is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for back condition and PTSD due to inadequate examination reports and incomplete development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep disorder, PTSD, and any aggravation of a pre-existing condition due to his psychiatric issues. The Veteran was not afforded an examination on these claims.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on PTSD and right knee disabilities, as well as the TDIU claim, are being remanded due to incomplete records and need for further examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with anxious mood is productive of occupational and social impairment with no more than occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks. The criteria for an evaluation greater than 30 percent have not been satisfied.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his service-connected PTSD and remands for a new medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding her hip, hand, and upper extremity disabilities. The low back disability claim is also being remanded as the VA examination did not include necessary joint testing.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence received after the March 2018 Supplemental Statement of the Case. The Veteran is advised to submit his treatment records from Ms. Bolen or complete a release for VA to request them.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that an increased rating to a higher level is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service at Camp LeJeune and Vieques, requiring further efforts to obtain relevant documents.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The VA examiner found no evidence linking the current diagnoses to military service.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to March 12, 2012 for the award of service connection for PTSD is denied. The Board also remanded the case for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at the lowest possible non-compensable level.,Tinnitus has been assigned a maximum schedular rating of 10 percent, which cannot be increased further under current criteria.,Sleep apnea is currently rated at the highest available schedular rating (50%), and no higher rating is warranted based on the evidence provided.,The Veteran's heart disorder is currently rated at 30%, with no higher rating being granted due to lack of specific findings supporting a higher level of disability.,PTSD has been rated as 30% prior to October 31, 2013, and 50% thereafter. No higher ratings are warranted based on the evidence provided.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since August 29, 2016. The Board found that the symptoms have most nearly approximated a 70 percent disability rating for the entire period on appeal.