PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The decision is based on insufficient evidence and the need for additional information from the Veteran regarding his stressors during service.

The Veteran's PTSD rating was reduced from 50% to 30%, but the Board has now restored the prior 50% rating effective July 1, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and missing VA treatment records. The issues include psychiatric disorders, back disorder, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder.

The Board has remanded the cases due to lack of substantial compliance with previous directives, specifically regarding a PTSD examination. The SMP claim is also being remanded as it may be impacted by the service connection issue.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for PTSD, anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder due to insufficient evidence regarding a medical nexus between these conditions and in-service incidents.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a gunshot wound to the left leg, right elbow fracture, gout, COPD, heart disorder (including coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure), hypertension, and diabetes mellitus have been granted. The claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder, has been reopened. However, the case is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of his current psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was filed on August 28, 2015. The Board denied an earlier effective date because the Veteran did not have veteran status prior to his discharge and there is no evidence of in-service diagnosis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, TBI, left ankle injury, and pericarditis, prevent him from securing and following any substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence indicates his disabilities make it impossible for him to engage in such employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied, but his claim for secondary service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (including anxiety disorder and depressive disorder) related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability was granted.

The Board has determined that further examination and opinion are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, and Alzheimer’s disease. The issues have been remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to incomplete SSD records and the need for a Board hearing on his PTSD and PDD claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety, is denied as there is no current diagnosis of a psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective March 13, 2012. The Board has remanded the case for further development and review.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development to obtain medical records and for a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's gout, hypertension, and PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The cases of PTSD and erectile dysfunction are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, major depressive disorder, panic disorder and anxiety disorder is granted. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's PTSD aggravated his alcohol abuse, which may have contributed to his death.