PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an updated VA medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and his death, specifically addressing whether it was aggravated by the condition.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, should be remanded due to insufficient evidence and need for a new examination.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, and for compensable disability ratings for scars on the left knee and right lower abdomen have been withdrawn. The appeal regarding an earlier effective date for a 70 percent rating for PTSD has also been dismissed as there is no evidence of entitlement to such an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, GERD, DJD of the right foot, hypertension, and arthritis of the AC joint of the right shoulder were denied as there was no credible evidence supporting her claimed stressors or diagnoses. The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The Veteran was diagnosed with PTSD based on in-service stressors related to his military service in Vietnam. Service connection is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and translations of Spanish documents.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a TDIU due to service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30% for the period from April 12, 2011 to August 4, 2014. The Board found that the symptoms have more nearly approximated a 50% rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for the award of service connection and compensation for PTSD with unspecified neurocognitive disorder. The case is being remanded to review whether there was clear and unmistakable error in a February 2007 rating decision that denied service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a disability rating of 70 percent, and he is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was granted, and his PTSD rating was increased to 70 percent. The decision on the PTSD issue is based on evidence that supports a direct relationship between the disability and service.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection for PTSD, hypertension, skin cancer, and bilateral hearing loss. The Board has determined that the Veteran meets criteria for a 50 percent evaluation prior to October 1, 2015, and a 70 percent evaluation thereafter for his PTSD. However, the issues of service connection for hypertension and skin cancer are not addressed as they were previously resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective July 2, 2015. The symptoms have caused significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is not etiologically related to his active military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to ongoing employment issues and the need for additional SSA records. The Veteran's TDIU claim is being returned for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent effective August 13, 2016. His hypertension remains at a 10 percent rating.,There is no current diagnosis of a headache condition or right hand disability.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and an increased rating to 70 percent for PTSD with MDD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms meet the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating. Service connection for hypertension was not addressed as it is being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened, and the Board expanded his claim to include any acquired psychiatric condition. The case is now remanded for further evidentiary development.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain updated treatment records and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination. The examiner is asked to provide opinions on whether any diagnosed psychiatric disorders are related to service, caused by or aggravated by service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression, has been reopened. Service connection is granted for tinnitus.