PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection for traumatic brain injury, hepatitis C, and PTSD were denied as there is no competent evidence of current diagnoses or a link to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, and an increased rating for his headache disability. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected, as it was incurred during his active duty in Korea. The Veteran also had other diagnosed psychiatric conditions (depressive disorder NOS and alcohol use disorder), but these are considered to be related to his PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain his complete service treatment and personnel records, including any disciplinary actions. An additional VA examination is also needed to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disorder that may be present.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, ischemic heart disease, tinnitus, scars, bilateral hearing loss, and urticaria, combine to a 70 percent disability rating. The Board finds that the evidence supports the assignment of a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining a copy of his DD-214 and any outstanding medical records. The Veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his bilateral hearing loss, tension headaches, and acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left foot disability and PTSD were not incurred in or related to active duty service.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent evaluation, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was due to a service-connected psychiatric disorder, which is presumed to be related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service in Vietnam. The Board found the evidence to be in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran's undiagnosed PTSD contributed to his suicide by gunshot wound.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is granted as service connection is established due to the in-service military sexual trauma.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD as a result of military sexual trauma (MST), is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's PTSD more nearly approximates total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating for the entire period on appeal. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is dismissed as moot due to the Veteran's current schedular 100 percent rating for PTSD.

The Board found that new and material evidence had been received to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's statements and testimony regarding an in-service personal assault were considered credible supporting evidence of a stressor, leading to the conclusion that her PTSD is related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right eye disability, but found that it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining outstanding medical treatment records. The case will be returned to the Board for further review.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has resulted in total occupational and social impairment throughout the appeal period, warranting a 100% disability rating since May 29, 2009.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder (previously evaluated as PTSD) is rated at 70 percent since June 19, 2012.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for back disability, fibromyalgia, schizophrenia, and PTSD as there was no medical evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in total occupational and social impairment since July 31, 2015. Prior to that date, the disability was rated at 50 percent.