PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly PTSD and CAD, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's right knee disorder is characterized by marked knee disability, and he is granted a separate rating of 30 percent from July 30, 2009 forward for the right knee instability. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder to include depression and PTSD is granted an increased rating of 70 percent from February 28, 2011 forward.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial rating of 100 percent, indicating total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 70 percent evaluation, and he is awarded a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder, but denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, residuals of a stroke, OSA, neuropathy, gastrointestinal disorder, and hiatal hernia. The decision is mixed as some issues were granted while others were not.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and headaches, finding that the evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD. The claim for headaches was remanded.

The Veteran's right ankle disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and MDD), and erectile dysfunction are all granted. The right ankle disability is not service-connected due to lack of a current disability related to service. The acquired psychiatric disorders are service-connected as they are linked to an in-service stressor. The erectile dysfunction is also service-connected as it is proximately due to the Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional development due to a lack of recent treatment records and an outdated VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), and tinnitus due to new evidence requiring a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service treatment records are missing, and thus remands the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for PTSD or any other psychiatric disorder related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has remanded to determine if a higher rating is warranted. Additionally, the TDIU claim is being referred back for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depression. Additionally, a new VA audiological evaluation is needed to assess the current severity of his bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's petitions to reopen claims for service connection for a skin condition and PTSD due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and opinion regarding service connection for back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD).

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims for various disabilities and mental health conditions. The Veteran's dental disability is not due to trauma or disease such as osteomyelitis, while his bilateral foot, varicose veins, gastrointestinal, and psychiatric conditions are being evaluated further.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder (claimed as PTSD) and major depressive disorder are rated at 70 percent, but the appeal is denied for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's squamous cell carcinoma is not service-connected, and his PTSD with depression warrants a 70% rating prior to April 10, 2014. The case is remanded for further clarification on TDIU.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen her claim for service connection of PTSD and has determined that she meets the criteria for service connection due to in-service sexual assault.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD with dysthymic disorder and recurrent major depression was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU was also denied because he could still engage in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and the availability of recent medical records.