PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is rated at a 50 percent disability rating, effective prior to November 2, 2013. A higher rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of evidence and need for a new VA examination.

The Board has denied service connection for a right shoulder disorder, finding that the preponderance of evidence is against a link to active service.,Service connection was also denied for a right ankle disorder. The Board found no in-service injury or disease related to the current condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and the need for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's TBI was caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, cyclothymic disorder, and depression due to a lack of current medical diagnosis and no link between his conditions and in-service stressors.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. The remaining issues were remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for a psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, and secondary service connection of acquired psychiatric disorders. The Veteran's testimony and VA examination reports are considered credible, but further medical opinions are needed.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination. The Veteran's claims of service connection for shortness of breath, PTSD, a low back disability, and hepatitis C are not addressed in this decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and a failure to fulfill its duty to assist in obtaining all available treatment records from the Marianna VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for residuals of TBI has been granted throughout the appeal period.

PTSD was granted with a rating of 50% effective March 13, 2015.,IBS with GERD was granted with a rating of 10% effective February 2, 2017.

The Board has decided that a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is warranted, but the VA needs to conduct a new examination due to the remote nature of the last one and the Veteran's reported suicidal ideation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there is no current diagnosis of PTSD and attributing his symptoms to a personality disorder rather than a service-connected condition.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The issues of service connection for PTSD and sleep apnea are remanded.

The Veteran's initial rating for CAD was increased to 60 percent in August 2011, but then reduced back down to 10 percent in July 2016. The Board found the reduction improper and restored the original 60 percent rating. Additionally, the Veteran is granted TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate examination report and will schedule a new examination for the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than August 15, 1986 for service connection of PTSD was denied. The RO granted service connection for PTSD in April 2009 with a rating of 70 percent and effective from April 27, 1989.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD prior to October 5, 1989 was also denied. The RO assigned a 70 percent rating for PTSD as of April 27, 1989.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus require the need for aid and assistance due to his inability to manage daily activities such as medication management and protection from environmental hazards.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to service or secondary to his service-connected asthma, PTSD, and/or allergic rhinitis. A new examination is needed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not rendered him incapable of securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.