PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's PTSD has been characterized by occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, warranting a 30 percent rating. The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, effective date not specified.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has granted the Veteran's requests to withdraw his claims for service connection for TMJ and vertigo. The Board also found that the Veteran's thoracolumbar strain is service-connected, as are his acquired psychiatric disorder including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him unable to obtain and sustain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and other psychiatric disorders, finding that there was no evidence to support a diagnosis of PTSD or any other mental health disorder related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen claims of service connection for tinnitus and hepatitis C is granted. On de novo review, service connection for hepatitis C is also granted.,Service connection for hypertension is remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD because the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and did not manifest PTSD during the period on appeal. The evidence shows that the Veteran suffers from major depressive disorder, which is already service connected.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral pes planus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and adjustment disorder with depressed mood), and obstructive sleep apnea. The effective date issue is denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a right thigh condition. The low back, left leg, bilateral hearing loss, and acquired psychiatric conditions (to include PTSD) are all denied as they have not been established by the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's failure to report for a VA examination, and requests that medical opinions be obtained regarding his psychiatric disability.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for sleep apnea and has remanded the issues of increased ratings for left ankle disability, urethral stricture, left knee disability, right knee disability, and PTSD. The decision is pending further action.

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

The Veteran's appeals for TDIU, PTSD rating increase, and lumbar spine disability were dismissed. The Board found no evidence of aggravation of the pre-existing asthma during service or any other respiratory disease that began during service.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a rating of 100 percent throughout the entire period of the claim, effective May 11, 2015. The earlier effective date for the increased rating for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent for the period from January 2, 2014, to May 18, 2016.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, including for the period prior to July 18, 2019. The TDIU claim is also remanded due to additional development being needed on remand to obtain a more detailed description of the Veteran's educational history and work history.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examination and need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a new psychiatric examination.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.