PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since May 25, 2010. The Board found that the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and difficulty in establishing social and work relationships have caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's sleep apnea was incurred in service. The rating for PTSD with depressive disorder prior to April 2, 2014 is granted at 30 percent. The rating for TBI with central vertigo prior to April 2, 2014 is also granted at 30 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 27, 2006, for the grant of service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) was denied as there is no evidence showing a claim for PTSD within one year of his discharge.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for a skin condition, increased evaluations for PTSD, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, and tinnitus, as well as TDIU. The case is dismissed.

The Veteran was found unemployable from August 29, 2011 to September 30, 2015 due to the combined effects of his service-connected PTSD and sleep apnea. His combined disability rating for these conditions is 80 percent.

The Veteran's current PTSD is related to an in-service stressor and the Board finds service connection for PTSD is warranted.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD diagnosis was not attributed to a verified or corroborated in-service stressor, and thus denied her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to a higher initial disability rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and an updated VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck and back disorders are not related to service, as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease. The acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD) claim cannot be established due to lack of a confirmed in-service stressor.,Service connection for these conditions cannot be granted as they are not shown to have been incurred during active duty.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for left ear hearing loss and PTSD. Specifically, VA treatment records from 1967 at Dayton VA Medical Center are requested, as well as a new examination to determine the etiology of his diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA psychiatric examination to assess the severity of his PTSD.

The Veteran's representative withdrew the appeal regarding the initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD before a decision was made.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a PTSD personal assault stressor letter and another VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorders and hearing loss/tinnitus.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since May 17, 2012, due to significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to obtain an adequate VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of his psychiatric disabilities, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's cardiovascular signs and symptoms, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), dermatitis, and vertigo have not been diagnosed. The Veteran's lumbar radiculopathy is service-connected.,PTSD remains service-connected but the Veteran has not provided sufficient evidence to warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to September 23, 2010.,TDIU was granted effective April 1, 2006, and the Veteran is not entitled to TDIU before that date.

The Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected disability, thus the appellant does not qualify for CHAMPVA benefits.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol dependency was initially rated at 30 percent prior to October 4, 2010. The rating was increased to 50 percent effective October 4, 2010, and then to 100 percent effective September 13, 2013.