PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and hypertension have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability during or within one year after service, and the Board finds that any current conditions are not related to service.

The Veteran's service connection for TBI secondary to his service-connected CAD is denied. He is granted an initial evaluation of 70 percent disabling for PTSD and a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating as there are no deficiencies in most areas of occupational or social functioning.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a need for further examination. The Veteran's claim of PTSD related to Military Sexual Trauma will be reconsidered after obtaining additional evidence.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is granted as incurred in service. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is also granted as secondary to the service-connected acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating for the entire initial rating period on appeal, effective from May 2, 2013. The issues of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and TDIU are remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including those for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a left leg disorder. Additional evidence is needed from SSA and VA records, and an addendum opinion is required regarding whether the Veteran’s left leg disorder was caused or aggravated by his service-connected vertigo and knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD is remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new examination.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for Hepatitis C and an increased rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD are remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a more contemporaneous examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence and will consider all submitted records, including VA examination reports and a letter from a private provider.

The Veteran's PTSD rating is being remanded for further examination and evaluation.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD with major depressive disorder, is rated at 50 percent effective from October 15, 2014. Prior to this date, the rating was granted at a higher level (30%).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD and credible evidence linking it to his active duty service in Vietnam. For the heart disability, the case is remanded as additional medical opinions are needed due to new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to November 2, 2010 for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied. The Board found that the decision became final due to lack of appeal within a year after it was issued in December 2008. The Veteran did not file another claim until November 2, 2010 when he petitioned to reopen his PTSD claim, which resulted in its grant with an effective date set at November 2, 2010.

The appeal is being remanded due to the need for VA to obtain Social Security Administration records related to the Veteran's disability benefits.

The February 8, 2011 rating decision implicitly denied a claim for Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected Ischemic Heart Disease and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. The RO considered the issue but found that the service-connected conditions alone did not render the Veteran unemployable.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess if he meets the diagnostic criteria for a PTSD diagnosis.

The Veteran's representative requested a new VA examination due to increased PTSD symptoms, and the Board has decided to remand the case for such an examination.

The Board has denied service connection for a lung condition including asthma and an acquired psychiatric disorder claimed as PTSD due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD was denied as there is no probative medical evidence linking these conditions to his period of active duty.,Service connection for a lung disorder was also denied due to the lack of credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressor occurred.