PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete VA treatment records, particularly for the claimed conditions of pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) and kidney disorder. Additionally, a VA examination is needed to determine if hypertension is related to service.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is not service-connected, and his PTSD is granted a 70% rating prior to December 19, 2012. The Veteran is also granted TDIU effective April 21, 2010.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted and his PTSD with depression is rated at 70 percent, but no higher. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an annual clothing allowance is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for a more adequate medical opinion regarding the effect of his back and knee braces on his clothing.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for PTSD and diabetes mellitus, type II with peripheral neuropathy are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Veteran's PTSD rating and TDIU claim are being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient medical evidence and unverified stressor allegations.

The Board has found that additional action is required prior to appellate review of the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The claims are remanded due to a need for a new VA examination and notification regarding personal assault stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent prior to May 9, 2017, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board grants TDIU.

The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating for PTSD and for TDIU have been dismissed due to withdrawal of the appeals by the Veteran's representative in December 2014.

The Board has granted service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to military sexual trauma, finding that the Veteran's PTSD is related to her in-service experiences and granting the benefit of doubt.

The claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, but the Veteran's anxiety and depression are not related to service or a service-connected disability. The appeal is remanded for further examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of PTSD and dysthymic disorder are related to his service, specifically witnessing his brother being assaulted by a fellow shipmate during typhoon attacks. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability and PTSD do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in total occupational and social impairment since October 21, 2008. A rating of 100 percent for PTSD is granted from that date.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The Veteran also received a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, contact dermatitis, TBI residuals, gastrointestinal disorder, PTSD, shoulder disorders, hemorrhoids, cervical spine disability, migraine headaches, vision loss, testosterone imbalance, wrist and hand disorders, hip disorders, and insomnia are all remanded. Additionally, his claim for an increased rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities, a residual head injury scar, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss is also remanded. His TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including hypertension, contact dermatitis, TBI, and gastrointestinal disorders. The Veteran also had his TDIU claim remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected. His stomach disorder, low back disability, and right leg disability are denied. The VA has remanded the issues of residuals of a concussive injury (headaches) and breathing problems for further evaluation.