PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's skin rash is granted as service-connected, but the respiratory disability and kidney disability claims are dismissed without prejudice.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD has been granted. Service connection for COPD was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for CIDP, PTSD, and an undiagnosed illness manifested by abnormal weight loss are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or at the housebound rate due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that his conditions do not necessitate regular aid and assistance from another person.

The Veteran's PTSD rating is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess his current level of impairment.

The Veteran's petitions to reopen claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, type II diabetes mellitus, and glaucoma were denied. The appeals are based on the merits of these claims.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD was dismissed as he withdrew his claim.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted, with the condition that it began during active service and is not due to a service-connected disability.,From October 4, 2016, the Veteran is granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities (PTSD and tinnitus).,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bladder cancer was remanded as it involves exposure to herbicide agents and asbestos.,Service connection for equilibrium problems was also remanded due to its potential secondary relationship with hearing loss and tinnitus.,Service connection for fear of heights was also remanded, likely due to its potential secondary relationship with hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and an adjustment disorder with anxiety. The stressors reported by the Veteran have been verified, and his diagnosis of PTSD is supported by credible evidence.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is remanded due to the inability to determine if he was on active duty training (ADT) or inactive duty training (IDT) when he received verbal abuse during his National Guard service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral pes planus, and eye condition due to missing National Guard personnel and medical records. Updated VA treatment records are also needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence received after the initial denial of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered and a VA examination may be required.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from November 5, 2007 to August 4, 2016. From August 5, 2016 onwards, the rating remains at 70 percent. Effective December 27, 2017, the Veteran is granted TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability was dismissed as the full benefit sought was granted. The benefits for residuals of cervical fusion with radiculopathy in both upper extremities were denied due to lack of proximate cause by VA. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD was granted, and the initial rating for PTSD was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right and left knee strains, and PTSD have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service noise exposure or continuity of symptoms postservice sufficient to establish service connection.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of PTSD due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of adequate medical opinion and missing VA records. The Veteran's cause of death is being reviewed, along with his service-connected PTSD and ischemic heart disease.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional development, including a VA examination under DSM-V criteria. The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and anxiety disorder, is pending.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in moderate to moderately severe occupational and social impairment, but not total impairment. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent from September 9, 2010 to September 6, 2018, and a higher than 70 percent rating beginning September 7, 2018, is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted for right knee condition, left knee condition, and back condition. The claim for acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) has been denied.,Service connection for a back condition is denied as the evidence does not support a link between injury in service and current disability.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of all remaining issues.