PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is presumed to be related to his service in Vietnam, and he is granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a right hand condition and flashbacks (claimed as PTSD) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and coronary artery disease, significantly impact his ability to function in an occupational setting. The Board finds that he is unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment due to these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of his claim. The Board found that he demonstrated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms such as marital problems, intrusive memories, irritability, difficulty sleeping, suicidal ideations, and hallucinations. Diverticulitis was not service-connected, and there is no evidence supporting a skin disability or prostate condition related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depression are related to his service in Vietnam. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal of the issue of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea has been withdrawn. The remaining issue, regarding an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD, will be remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and a major depressive disorder, is related to his service in Vietnam. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his in-service military sexual trauma and grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since the initial decision. The Board found that his symptoms have more nearly approximated a 70 percent rating, warranting an increase in disability compensation.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD was denied in March 2005, but new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim. The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection as his diagnosis is a depressive disorder rather than PTSD.,Service connection for coronary artery disease is granted based on presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Board has decided that a remand is needed due to the need for another VA examination to determine if any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a contemporaneous VA examination for PTSD. The issues of increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating under the criteria for mental disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at the highest available rating of 70 percent, effective April 21, 2011. The Veteran was granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's character of discharge is now general under honorable conditions, which does not bar him from receiving VA benefits.

The Veteran's appeals were denied for various issues, including cervical spine DJD, depression, PTSD, and bilateral hip disability. The claims for depression and PTSD were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence, while the claim for service connection for a bilateral hip disability was denied as no causal relationship could be established.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and updated medical records. The issue of an increased evaluation for PTSD with depressive features will be reconsidered after these additional developments.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, coronary artery disease, and varicose veins of the left leg, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.