PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's TMJ disorder was first manifested during service and is related to military service, thus granting service connection.,ED resulting from PTSD-TBI is also granted as secondary to the service-connected condition.

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

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of increased PTSD evaluation and TDIU, including obtaining a new VA examination and considering newly added evidence. The case is being remanded to allow these steps.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's appeal was not timely filed in response to the February 2014 Statement of the Case, and thus has no jurisdiction over the March 2012 rating decision.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to April 10, 2017. The rating will remain at 70 percent for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's PTSD rating is being remanded due to the need for updated treatment records and a more current VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as he did not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.,Service connection for coronary artery disease with bypass graft X and diabetes mellitus type II due to herbicide agent exposure in Thailand is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to July 26, 2018 was denied. The claim for a higher rating for PTSD from July 26, 2018 forward is also denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and low back condition were reopened due to the submission of new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to January 8, 2018, has been withdrawn and thus the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's previous denial was based on a lack of diagnosis, and no new evidence provided since then supports this claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient verification of the in-service stressor for PTSD. The Veteran's claim will be further developed and a VA medical opinion will be obtained.

The Veteran's PTSD, GERD with hiatal hernia, bilateral pes cavus, and bilateral metatarsalgia have been evaluated based on their individual merits. The appeal for increased ratings has resulted in a denial of all issues.

The Veteran's appeals to reopen claims for gastroesophageal reflux disease, diabetes mellitus, and posttraumatic stress disorder were dismissed. The appeal to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD is dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 50 percent disability rating effective from August 4, 2016. This rating reflects symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, suspiciousness, chronic sleep impairment, and difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships.

The Veteran's hypertension is remanded for a determination on whether it is related to his presumed herbicide exposure or service-connected PTSD. The Board also granted TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to August 12, 2017 more closely approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. The Board granted a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and further development of evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lung nodules, ischemic brain condition, acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), hearing loss, tinnitus, and headaches due to inadequate medical opinions in previous decisions.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective September 19, 2017. The earlier rating of 50 percent prior to that date remains unchanged.