PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI and PTSD/Depression are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining complete military records and a VA mental health examination.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal regarding an increased rating for PTSD and denied his claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the claims for a bilateral foot disorder and PTSD due to potential issues with the examination provided. The Veteran's claim is not reopened, but service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's initial rating for headaches has been granted at a 50 percent disability rating. The claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, previously denied due to lack of new and material evidence, is now reopened. Service connection for the acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is established based on credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressor occurred.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for TBI, acquired psychiatric disability including PTSD and anxiety/depression secondary to TBI, and erectile dysfunction secondary to acquired psychiatric disability due to inadequate examinations and potential missing in-service treatment records.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him so helpless as to need regular personal assistance from others, including medication management and daily tasks. As a result, he is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's death was found to be due to service-connected coronary artery disease, and the claim for DIC benefits is granted. The claim for DIC pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is denied.

The Veteran's service connection for bladder cancer and PTSD have been granted. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU has been dismissed as moot due to the grant of a 100% rating for PTSD. The compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder diagnosed as PTSD, finding that his current PTSD is due to a confirmed stressor during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation beginning July 1, 2007.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, but remanded for additional development as requested.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased rating for PTSD and a TDIU prior to March 15, 2019 have been dismissed as the appellant has withdrawn his appeal.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric condition, to include Adjustment Disorder. The case is remanded for further development including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's failure to report for scheduled VA examinations and his unstable housing situation may have impacted his ability to provide evidence. The claims are being remanded to attempt rescheduling these examinations and obtain any outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted from February 1, 2010 to April 3, 2011. The issue of TDIU prior to February 1, 2010 is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development and examination, as well as to address issues related to her service-connected disabilities and any newly diagnosed psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, GERD, lumbar degenerative disc disease and small disc herniation, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, erectile dysfunction, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea have been remanded due to the need for additional development. The Veteran's service connection claims are not supported by evidence of a current disability or a link between his in-service exposure and any diagnosed conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding VA treatment records and additional information. The Veteran will have an opportunity to provide these documents and respond to any new evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder with symptoms of depression and anxiety, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between her current mental health conditions and her military service.