PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and depression as secondary to bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including verification of in-service stressors and a comprehensive psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of these claims.

The claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is granted. The rating for tinnitus remains at 10 percent and the claim for insomnia is remanded.

The Board has determined that the effective dates for the awards of a 50 percent evaluation for PTSD with depression and entitlement to TDIU should be June 10, 2008. The case is now REMANDED for further development related to the issue of an increased rating for PTSD.

Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted, and service connection for left ear hearing loss and chronic fatigue are granted to the extent of reopening. A rating of 70 percent for PTSD since April 16, 2012, is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's employment history and VA treatment records. The decision will be reconsidered after obtaining these documents.

The petition to reopen the previously denied claims for hepatitis C and depression is granted. The claim for service connection for shoulder disability is denied, but the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) is remanded.

The Board has dismissed the appeals of the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his death.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to June 13, 2017 and increased to 70 percent thereafter. The right knee disability received a rating of 30 percent for severe subluxation and limited leg extension, while the left knee disability also received a rating of 30 percent.,PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to June 13, 2017 and increased to 70 percent thereafter. The right knee disability received a rating of 30 percent for severe subluxation and limited leg extension, while the left knee disability also received a rating of 30 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and ischemic heart disease, have rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU for the period prior to September 12, 2017.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy, have prevented him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation since January 21, 2010. The Board has granted entitlement to TDIU for this period.

The Veteran is granted an earlier effective date of June 1, 2006 for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The Board found that as of his June 1, 2006 claim, he met the criteria for service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% and then increased to 70%. The Board is now remanding the case for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD with neurocognitive disorder and alcohol abuse in remission is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum rating available. The Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted due to the severity of his symptoms. Additionally, the Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 50 percent disability rating, effective throughout the entire timeframe on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his claims of service connection for right shoulder dislocation, right ankle sprain, left ankle disability, sleep apnea, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claims for heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety, and depression) are dismissed since they were withdrawn. The claim for acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of low back disability and PTSD for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling new examinations to assess the severity of his disabilities.

Your claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for a DRO hearing. The issues include reopening of several service connection claims.