PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's initial claim of increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination considering his ongoing treatment and reported worsening symptoms.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, and for TDIU due to the appellant's failure to attend scheduled VA examinations. The Board finds that an examination is necessary to determine the exact nature and etiology of the appellant’s current psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his active military service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has ordered a new examination and opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's sleep apnea and his active duty service, specifically addressing his reported sleeping difficulties during service.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's tinnitus and acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD) are related to service. The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with paranoid schizophrenia, has been reopened. However, the evidence does not meet the criteria for service connection as his current diagnosis of unspecified schizophrenia is not related to service or any in-service stressor. The claim for secondary service connection for hypertension was also denied.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, tinnitus, sinusitis, sleep apnea, hypertension, chest pain, a dental disorder for treatment purposes, and ear disability. The issues are being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions and need for additional VA examinations.

The claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and depression is granted, as new evidence has been submitted that relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim. The Board finds a remand is necessary to obtain a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders were related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, along with other conditions like hypertension and hyperlipidemia, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to April 27, 2016. The Board granted TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied due to lack of evidence meeting VA's definition of impaired hearing. The claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability other than MDD, claimed as PTSD, was reopened based on new and material evidence showing potential PTSD symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, finding that there is no current diagnosis of a psychiatric disability and that any such disability is less likely related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder with alcohol use have been rated at a 70 percent since the beginning of the appeal period, effective prior to August 10, 2011.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for muscle spasms, heart disability, erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, hernia, ulcers and an acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD and depression. The claims are remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for stomach issues, PTSD, and MDD with panic disorder due to environmental contaminants at Camp Lejeune are remanded. Additional evidence is needed to determine the relationship between these conditions and exposure to contaminants.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions have been reopened, but the issues are being remanded due to missing medical records and need for further examinations.

The Board has granted the petition to reopen the previously denied service connection claim for PTSD and remanded the issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is granted with an initial rating of 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran also receives a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The appeal is granted as the decision to sever service connection for hypertension was improper. Service connection for PTSD is also granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and manic depression.