PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's hypertension is rated as noncompensable, and he is granted a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depressive disorder, are rated at 70 percent since May 18, 2017. Prior to that date, the rating was 30 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100% disability rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder and TBI residuals is denied. The Board found that there was no factual basis to grant an earlier effective date as the increase in symptoms occurred after February 21, 2017.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and evaluations to determine the current severity of his service-connected conditions, including OSA, ED, hair replacement, eye disability, shin splints, shoulder disabilities, and PTSD. The Veteran also has pending claims for service connection for these conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, lumbosacral strain, hearing loss, sleep apnea, insomnia, right foot disorder (pes planus), left foot disorder (pes planus), vision disability, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, migraine headaches, and skin disorder.,The Board found no evidence of a chronic lumbar disorder that began during service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a TBI has been reopened, but the issue of remanding it remains unresolved.,PTSD was granted with an initial rating of 70% from May 7, 2013 to September 16, 2015. However, a higher rating is denied starting September 17, 2015.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability and insufficient link to service.

The Board has granted an effective date of April 12, 2018 for a 100 percent evaluation for PTSD and basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) under 38 U.S.C.A. Chapter 35.

The Board has determined that new material evidence has been received, allowing the reopening of claims for service connection for a low back disorder and nerve damage to toes. The claim for PTSD remains denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective November 21, 2009. The Veteran's Hepatitis C remains at a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal.,Service connection for left ear hearing loss is granted based on new evidence submitted after the May 2008 denial.,Service connection for OSA and hypertension are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their onset in service.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent from July 8, 2009 to March 26, 2012, and in excess of 50 percent as of March 27, 2012, for anxiety disorder NOS is remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the severity of his condition.,Service connection for a heart condition is remanded due to its potential impact on the hypertension claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and Adjustment Disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support these diagnoses.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection of left knee disability. The claims for nose trauma residuals, PTSD with anxiety and depression, sleep disorder (other than sleep apnea), TBI, and headaches were all granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is now rated at 70 percent effective July 23, 2019. Prior to this date, the rating was 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and major depressive disorder, as well as his claim for TDIU due to employment issues. The AOJ is instructed to obtain all relevant medical records and clarify the Veteran's employment history with FEMA.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and entitlement to a TDIU rating have been granted in full, with the effective date being April 26, 2012.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, alcohol use disorder secondary to PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The evidence is at least in equipoise that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has decided to remand the case for further evaluation due to lack of recent VA treatment records and potential worsening of symptoms.

Service connection for PTSD was denied, and a 30% evaluation for headaches was granted but with no effective date assigned.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and chronic fatigue have been granted. The Board found that the evidence is in equipoise with respect to the Veteran’s PTSD claim, granting service connection. For his bilateral hearing loss, the Board found that there was a link between current symptoms and the in-service stressors, granting service connection. However, for his chronic fatigue claim, the Board noted insufficient medical opinion regarding its relationship to service-connected disabilities or other factors.