PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a psychiatric condition and sleep apnea due to insufficient evidence. A VA examination is required for both conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased PTSD evaluation and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records, examinations, and a combined effects assessment.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeals of both the service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and the disability rating for asbestosis. As a result, these claims are dismissed.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD have been granted service connection. Bilateral hearing loss is presumed due to in-service acoustic trauma. Tinnitus is secondary to the service-connected bilateral hearing loss. PTSD is linked to combat stressors experienced during service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD is being remanded due to his failure to report for VA examinations and because he requested rescheduling of the February 2018 examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since July 25, 2017. The appeal for increased ratings and TDIU was denied.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or other psychiatric disorder, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU from May 14, 2013 due to his service-connected disabilities. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU prior to May 14, 2013, is also granted.

The Veteran's TBI residuals are not productive of any deficits in memory, attention, concentration, or executive functions. His PTSD symptoms have resulted in some social and occupational impairment prior to December 16, 2016, but since then he has experienced more severe symptoms warranting a 50% rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for condyloma was dismissed due to her withdrawal of the appeal. The Board granted service connection for PTSD, finding that it is at least as likely as not caused by an in-service sexual assault.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for a left knee condition and hypertensive vascular disease have been dismissed. The appeal for PTSD, to include as due to military sexual trauma, is remanded.

The Veteran's request to reopen a claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted. Service connection is also granted for the acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder. The claims for TBI, left shoulder disability, lumbar spine condition, left knee disability, sleep disorder, and GERD are all remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for ischemic heart disease and a psychiatric disability (including posttraumatic stress disorder) due to incomplete records and need for further verification of in-service stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted and rated at 70 percent, effective May 13, 2013. The rating reflects significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since November 8, 2013. This rating is granted for the entire duration of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder is denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosed condition.,Direct service connection for alcohol dependence is denied due to the Veteran's own willful misconduct.,Service connection for skin disorder (undiagnosed illness) is denied as there is no objective evidence of signs or symptoms.,Service connection for left lower extremity numbness and right lower extremity numbness (undiagnosed illness) are denied as there is no objective evidence of signs or symptoms.

The Veteran's PTSD with conversion disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The rating of 70% was granted from April 11, 2006 to June 26, 2009, and subsequently denied for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened and denied on the merits.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA examination and opinion to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder. The examiner is asked to address whether any diagnosed conditions are related to his active military service.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for chronic sinusitis and PTSD due to the need for further medical examination.