PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied due to unreliable testing results and the absence of a current disability.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder is denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and TBI are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, treatment records, and a Statement of the Case (SOC).

The Board has remanded two issues: the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and the TDIU claim. The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions, need for additional records, and need for clarification regarding his PTSD diagnosis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability is reopened, and he is granted a 100% rating for his PTSD. The issue of service connection for the low back disability has been remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of a TDIU is being remanded due to insufficient evidence showing he was unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation by reason of his service-connected disabilities prior to April 10, 2013.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and PTSD are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's tinea pedis and PTSD are not service connected, but he is granted a TDIU based on his disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent since October 13, 2009. The rating was increased from the previous 30 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and Depressive Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, finding that both conditions are related to an in-service assault. The Veteran's claims for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional information and examinations regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and mood disorder.

Service connection for degenerative disease of the lumbar spine is granted. Service connection for osteoporosis, digestive disability (GERD), and memory loss are denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for PTSD was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the decision being made.

The Veteran's hearing loss and PTSD are being remanded for further evaluation. The hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, while the PTSD rating before November 17, 2015, remains at 70 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since January 15, 2013. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the combined disability rating of 80 percent due to service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD due to conflicting evidence in the file. Additional medical examinations are required.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative disc disease is rated at 40 percent since January 23, 2014. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis or other criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's application to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for PTSD was denied because there is no new and material evidence relating to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are incomplete due to unclear dates of his active duty and National Guard/Reserve service, missing service treatment records, and outstanding VA and private treatment records. The claims will be remanded for further development.