PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeals for service connection claims have been dismissed. The PTSD increased rating claim has also been dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD was denied, and the claim for a higher rating for hidradenitis suppurativa skin disability is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding his sleep apnea and scars. The TDIU claim is also raised.

The Veteran's PTSD and post-concussional syndrome due to traumatic brain injury have been rated at 70 percent throughout the appeal period. The case is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA medical records, scheduling a new VA examination, and determining the impact of back flare-ups on right leg radiculopathy.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (diabetes mellitus II, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, and posttraumatic stress disorder) require regular aid and attendance. However, he is not substantially confined to his dwelling.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including unspecified anxiety disorder with PTSD features and major depressive disorder, are granted. The rating for the service-connected major depressive disorder is increased to 50 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his symptoms.,Service connection for Parkinson’s disease and TBI are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding these conditions.,The Veteran's TDIU claim will be remanded as well.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus) prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant through multiple letters requesting withdrawal of his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to May 5, 2010, meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since July 1, 2013. The Board has now granted a higher rating of 70 percent for the entire period on appeal, indicating that his disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria for a 70 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 30 percent disabling. The Board finds a remand necessary for an additional VA examination to determine the current level of severity of all impairment resulting from his service-connected PTSD, including distinguishing symptoms due to nonservice-connected depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,Service connection for benign prostatic hyperplasia, claimed as a prostate condition, is denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service or herbicide exposure.,PTSD symptoms have not met criteria for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient information provided by his private physician regarding the etiology of his claimed disabilities. The examination must address whether any current disability is related to active service, including physical training and injuries sustained during service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, lung cancer, and tinnitus are found to be of such nature and severity as to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. As a result, the Board has granted entitlement to total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD and remanded the case due to the need for an updated VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, right knee DJD, and right knee LOE were denied as the effective dates cannot be earlier than October 3, 2011.,There is no new and material evidence to support a claim prior to October 3, 2011.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's active service provided a stressor leading to his current condition. The skin disability issue is remanded.

The Veteran's initial rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied. An initial 30 percent rating, but no higher, is granted for PTSD with major depression prior to October 19, 2016. The case is remanded for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD from October 19, 2016.