PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has granted an effective date of October 31, 2007 for the award of service connection for PTSD based on new evidence received after a previous denial in April 2008.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied due to the absence of a current diagnosis. The claim for an increased rating for corneal scar of the left eye, with retained foreign body, was denied as the Veteran failed to report for a necessary VA examination.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn. The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the withdrawal of all issues.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease and PTSD have resulted in a TDIU, with the disability rating for ischemic heart disease being granted at 100%.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, linked to active service. The most probative evidence does not establish a link between current symptoms and in-service stressors.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD, finding that the Veteran's April 2010 application to reopen his claim was the earliest valid application and thus the appropriate effective date.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including eating disorders and PTSD. The evidence supports that these conditions had their onset in or are otherwise directly related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination regarding his PTSD and for obtaining all outstanding post-service medical treatment records. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also inextricably intertwined with the PTSD issue.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, anxiety, and adjustment disorder with depressed mood, as secondary to a service-connected bilateral shoulder disorder. The Board also granted service connection for a bilateral knee disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD, OSA, and headaches are service-connected. The right foot condition is not service-connected.

The Veteran withdrew the issue of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with MDD during his March 2017 Board hearing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with ineffective coping mechanisms is being remanded due to the need for additional VA psychiatric examination and treatment records.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, is found to be related to service. The TDIU claim is granted as the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from gainful employment.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's death, as they have no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this case.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent since July 6, 2017. The appeal for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent on or after that date has been dismissed as the Veteran indicated satisfaction with the current rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, GERD, right and left knee disabilities, and ED are all found to be related to his service.,Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and stroke are found to be related to service-connected diabetes mellitus. Service connection for these conditions is granted on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's GERD is granted as secondary to his service-connected duodenal ulcer with vagotomy, pylorplasty, appendectomy, and subtotal gastrectomy. The acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as PTSD and major depressive disorder) and prostate cancer are not found to be related to the Camp Lejeune water contamination. Erectile dysfunction remains denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examination and development of her claim for service connection for PTSD.