PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and Peripheral Neuropathy, but remanded the claim for Ischemic Heart Disease due to herbicide exposure.,Service connection is not granted for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, which grants a higher rating than the initial 30 percent assigned. The decision acknowledges that his symptoms more nearly approximate occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle disability was previously denied, and new evidence submitted does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.,Service connection is not granted for pancreatitis or hypertension as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Board has determined that the proper procedures were not followed in determining whether the Veteran is eligible for S-DVI due to his nonservice-connected conditions. The matter must be remanded to ensure compliance with all procedural requirements set forth in the M29-1, including obtaining Attending Physician's Statements (APSs) where required and ensuring that the severity of the nonservice-connected disabilities considered to be disqualifying is accurately considered.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD is denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding of service connection.,The Veteran's claims for left knee disability, bilateral pes planus, and sleep apnea are remanded to obtain additional development.

The Veteran's PTSD disability rating was increased to 70% effective February 2, 2017. A TDIU is granted for this period.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's claim will be reviewed with a new examination and additional opinions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, adjustment disorder, MDD, and mood disorder, is granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The earlier effective dates for the 30 percent ratings for right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are also granted.

The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period prior to November 2003 is being remanded due to potential extraschedular consideration under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b).

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100 percent evaluation, and the issue of entitlement to TDIU is dismissed as moot due to the grant of a higher rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of the July 2014 rating decision. The issue of a higher rating for left shoulder strain remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD, depression, and sleeplessness have been rated at 50 percent since December 14, 2015. The Board has determined that the severity of these symptoms does not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have not improved to the point where a reduction in their rating is warranted, and thus the original 100% rating for PTSD is restored.

The Veteran's PTSD was not manifested by symptoms resulting in total occupational and social impairment.,From April 24, 2017, the Veteran was not able to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's separation pay was recouped from his VA disability compensation benefits, and the appeal to overturn this decision is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings and service connection due to a duty to assist error. The Veteran is required to undergo examinations to determine the current severity of his right wrist, eczematoid dermatitis, pseudofolliculitis barbae, PTSD, insomnia, bipolar disorder, and left wrist conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD was denied, and his claims for service connection for plantar fasciitis and sleep apnea were also denied.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, panic disorder, agoraphobia, alcohol use disorder, and cocaine use disorder, has been rated at 100 percent since August 14, 2017. The issue of entitlement to a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to acquired psychiatric disorder is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's headaches and hypertension are not service-connected as they did not manifest during active duty, nor are they linked to his Gulf War service or PTSD.,His lower back disability is not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing it was present in service or within the presumptive period for undiagnosed illnesses. The Veteran's current IBS is also not service-connected as there is no link between his active duty and this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a mental disability, including PTSD and depression, was dismissed because the Veteran did not file a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) to appeal the March 2018 rating decision.