PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal of his petition to reopen the claim for service connection for a right foot disability was dismissed due to his withdrawal. The claims for hepatitis, depression, PTSD, left foot disability, right hand disability, left hand disability, right knee disability, right hip disability, and right leg disability are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The appeal has been denied as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea was caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and thus grants service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information about the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric condition, including whether it pre-existed service or was aggravated by service. The Veteran's mental health records need to be obtained and an examination is required.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, vision defect, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, polyps (presumed due to herbicide exposure), and gastritis. Additional development is needed to determine if these conditions are related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities or other factors.

The Veteran's impaired judgment, due to his service-connected PTSD, contributed to his death from right subdural hematoma. The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and clarification of medical opinions.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but no higher. The diabetes mellitus type II remains at a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's TBI and PTSD have been granted separate ratings, with the TBI receiving a 40 percent rating effective January 19, 2012. The Veteran has also been granted a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has decided to remand the claims for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and TDIU due to incomplete records, including missing Vet Center treatment records and a lay statement from the Veteran's ex-wife. The Veteran will be provided with additional evidentiary development and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied, and his PTSD is rated at 70 percent. The issue of TDIU is remanded.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of PTSD. The Board granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, finding that it is related to a service-connected psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The claim for PTSD was reopened and granted, while the claim for a skin rash of the left foot was denied.

The Veteran's appeals for a higher disability rating and an earlier effective date for PTSD have been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of these claims.

The appeal of the issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim for service connection for schizophrenia is dismissed. The effective date earlier than December 8, 2015 for the award of service connection for PTSD is remanded. An initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to August 29, 2016 and an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD from August 29, 2016 are also remanded. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms are found to be related to his service-connected adjustment disorder with depressed mood. Service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and TDIU due to PTSD. The earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for PTSD, hearing loss, and tinnitus have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA examination and procurement of relevant treatment records.