PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a right hip disability and granted a 30 percent rating for allergic rhinitis with hypertrophic turbinates. The claims for service connection for left hip disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and depression), osteoarthritis and limitation of flexion of the right knee, osteoarthritis and limitation of motion of the left knee, and intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine are all remanded.

The appeal for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is dismissed. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder, is remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hepatitis C and PTSD, as well as his TDIU claim due to service-connected disabilities, have all been denied by the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to conflicting findings in VA treatment records and a need to provide another VA examination. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric conditions, including PTSD and dysthymia, will be evaluated.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent disability evaluation prior to February 13, 2017.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's private records and lay statements indicate a current diagnosis of PTSD, but prior examination was conducted using DSM-IV criteria.

Service connection is granted for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Veteran provided credible reports of stressors related to the fear of hostile military or terrorist activity, which a VA examiner conceded was sufficient to support a diagnosis of PTSD. A private medical provider also opined that there was a medical link between the Veteran's PTSD and his experience in the army.,Service connection is denied for bilateral hearing loss. The weight of evidence indicates that a medical nexus has not been established between current diagnosis and an in-service incurrence; and the criteria for statutory presumptions have not been met.,Tinnitus service connection is granted. The Veteran indicated that he began to manifest tinnitus due to military noise exposure, and tinnitus continued to manifest ever since.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse is rated at 70 percent prior to February 24, 2014 and denied for a rating in excess of 70 percent as of that date.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse is rated at 70 percent prior to February 24, 2014 and denied for a rating in excess of 70 percent as of that date.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, Adjustment Disorder, and Anxiety Disorder. The Veteran's symptoms are related to his in-service combat experiences.

Service connection denied for unspecified sleep disorder. PTSD rating increased to 70% from October 20, 2015 and TDIU granted from that date.,Petitions to reopen service connection claims for pinched nerve in the neck (also claimed as a neck disorder), bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, heart disorder, skin disorder of the feet were remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD is dismissed as there was no valid NOD and the issue does not fall under a free-standing claim for an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is dismissed as the Veteran is already service connected for major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings and TDIU have been dismissed due to a withdrawal request.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for PTSD and granted it, finding that there is sufficient evidence to support a diagnosis of PTSD related to military sexual trauma.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete information and need for further examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after obtaining all relevant records, including private treatment records and a psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since August 30, 2011. The rating is granted and effective as of May 23, 2018.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in the need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for Aid and Attendance.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence of current PTSD severity, and a new VA examination is required.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Appellant's state of mind at the time of his discharge and whether he was insane for VA purposes.