PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including left wrist, right wrist, cervical spine, bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The claims were either not appealed or the evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for an anxiety disorder NOS and PTSD. The evidence shows that the Veteran experienced psychological trauma during service in Korea, which is considered combat-related. The VA examiners found a link between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, is being remanded due to conflicting medical evidence. Additional development is needed, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a new psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum rating available. The Board denied an increased rating as his disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and coronary artery disease, prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to December 20, 2015. The Board granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for this period.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, but denied service connection for an eye disability and a seizure disorder. The hearing loss, ear infection, TBI, and headaches claims are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his service-connected disabilities, particularly PTSD, low back disability, and foot disability.

The Board has decided that a remand is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of any sleep disorder found to be present, including sleep apnea. The examiner must provide opinions regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea had its onset during active duty or is otherwise related to his service, as well as whether it is proximately due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records, including those from Dr. P and Dr. G.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD and a TDIU was granted effective June 27, 2013.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to unclear diagnoses and lack of a clear opinion on whether any diagnosed psychiatric disorders are related to service. The Veteran's claims for PTSD and major depressive disorder will be reviewed again with an examination.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as he still has some social functioning and does not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal of service connection for PTSD was withdrawn. His claim for an increased rating for anxiety disorder, to include insomnia, is denied as his disability does not meet the criteria for a higher than 70 percent rating. The issue of TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants an initial evaluation of 50 percent, effective prior to May 28, 2015. Other claims remain in appellate status.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder, attributing these conditions to in-service stressors.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment since February 1, 2012. The Board finds that the criteria for a finding of a TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16 (b) have been met.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD were denied as a matter of law due to his failure to report for scheduled VA examinations without good cause.

The Veteran's PTSD was diagnosed as a result of his combat service in Vietnam, and the Board granted service connection for this condition.