PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and development due to worsening symptoms of PTSD. The TDIU issue is also being remanded.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of whether the character of the Appellant’s discharge is a bar to VA benefits. The case is now remanded for further development, including obtaining an opinion regarding the Appellant's state of mind at the time of his AWOL.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder is granted. The initial rating for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss remains at noncompensable (0%). A higher initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is denied. Service connection for a lumbar spine disorder is remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and diabetes mellitus, type II. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted as new and material evidence was submitted showing a current diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder and bipolar type. However, the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II remains denied as no new and material evidence has been submitted.

The Board has decided the case in favor of the Veteran, finding sufficient evidence to warrant a VA examination and remanding for further action.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before a decision can be made on the remaining issues, including service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to his service and the Board has granted service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent since June 23, 2015. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating as her symptoms were not severe enough to warrant a 70% or 100% disability rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial rating greater than 50 percent for PTSD before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's cholecystectomy and PTSD were both granted service connection. The decision is based on the merits of these claims.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder and PTSD have been rated at 70 percent since August 8, 2017. The rating is denied as the evidence does not show total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of evidence regarding the Veteran's back injury and PTSD, which may have contributed to his hypertension and death. The VA is required to obtain additional medical opinions and develop records related to these issues.

The Board is remanding the cases due to incomplete records and requests for additional information.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for residuals of bilateral hand and wrist injuries, PTSD, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, right hip osteoporosis, scar residuals of squamous cell carcinoma, actinic-seborrheic keratosis, and basal cell carcinoma. The remand requires additional medical examinations and development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an error in using DSM-5 criteria instead of DSM-IV during a previous examination. The Veteran needs to be examined again to determine if he has any acquired psychiatric disabilities, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and whether these are related to his service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are more consistent with a 30 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, bladder cancer, and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits file.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral ingrown toenails, PTSD, and increased ratings for TBI with anxiety disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder condition and PTSD, finding that the evidence supports a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial rating of 70 percent, effective March 6, 2018. The remaining issues on appeal have been remanded for further development.