PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, is being remanded due to the need for further examination and development of stressor verification.

The Veteran is unable to follow and secure substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, type II, and associated peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 70% prior to September 16, 2010. From that date forward, the rating for PTSD has been denied.,Obstructive Sleep Apnea remains unresolved as it is not related to service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, effective November 22, 2010. The Board has found that an increased initial rating to 70 percent is warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, and for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder (in remission) causes deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms equivalent in severity to those corresponding to a 70 percent rating, and the Board concludes that an initial rating of 70 percent is warranted for the entire period.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for erectile dysfunction associated with type II diabetes mellitus was withdrawn prior to the promulgation of a decision. The claim of entitlement to TDIU prior to September 14, 2017, is dismissed as the evidence does not show that his service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD rating was increased to 70 percent effective May 9, 2014. The claim for a compensable initial rating for sinusitis is addressed. The claims for reopening previously denied cervical spine and spine disabilities are also addressed. The issue of an effective date prior to May 9, 2014, for the PTSD award remains pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for reopening his service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss and for a higher rating for PTSD. The decision is final as it was not appealed after the issuance of a statement of the case.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent evaluation. The Board also granted TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of recent VA treatment records. The Veteran seeks an increased disability rating for his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective April 29, 2009. Service connection for a low back disorder has not been established due to lack of evidence linking the current condition to service. The issue of TDIU was not addressed as it was not certified for appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a right knee disability, but denied the remaining claims. The Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to conflicting evidence in his VA records.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's symptoms have been related to his active duty service, and the evidence is in equipoise as to whether he should be granted service connection.

The Veteran's death pension benefits were not awarded to the appellant as his mother, since he is over the age of 23 and does not qualify as a child for accrued benefits purposes. The claim was denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and issuing new medical opinions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 70 percent disabling, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment. His depression is also considered in the evaluation.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is found to be attributable to his in-service combat service stressors and granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected, and his major depressive disorder and nicotine use disorder are secondary to his PTSD.

The Board has determined that additional examination is needed to address the nature and severity of nonservice-connected disorders, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and incontinence. The Veteran's need for assistance appears to be based, at least in part, on bowel and bladder incontinence.