PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

An initial evaluation of 50 percent for PTSD is granted, but service connection for hypertension and sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD remains pending.,Service connection for hypertension as secondary to PTSD has been established.

The Board has determined that it lacks jurisdiction to review the Veteran's claim for service connection due to a procedural error in the submission of an appeal form.

The claim of service connection for PTSD has been reopened, and the appeal is remanded to obtain a new VA examination and additional medical records.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent from April 2, 2019. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70 percent disability rating, effective from the date of the July 2007 decision. The Board also found that he is entitled to TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression due to unclear stressor verification and need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder was not productive of unemployability from October 20, 2003 through May 26, 2008. The appeal is remanded for consideration of a TDIU on an extraschedular basis during the period from May 27, 2008 to January 15, 2015.

The Board has determined that the criteria for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 have not been met, and the case is being remanded to obtain a medical opinion regarding the Veteran's hypertension and its relationship to service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD and CAD were granted initial ratings of 70% and 60%, respectively, effective December 30, 2011. A TDIU was also granted for the period prior to his death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of July 21, 1998. The Board found that the evidence established a verifiable diagnosis of PTSD at the time of his initial claim and resolved all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and rhinitis due to lack of a causal relationship between the conditions and military service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further action due to procedural issues and to consider the entire appeal period.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and major depressive disorder, should be remanded due to inadequate examination findings.

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection of left hip osteoarthritis as it was granted in a previous rating decision. The issue of secondary service connection for anxiety, depression, and PTSD is remanded.

The appeal is remanded due to incomplete records and the need for an addendum opinion regarding the cause of death.

The Veteran's allergic reactions and bilateral feet condition are not service-connected.,The Veteran's sinusitis is not service-connected.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran’s lumbar spine disability is manifested by at worst forward flexion to 50 degrees. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran’s left lower extremity radiculopathy is manifested by at worst moderately severe incomplete paralysis. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran’s right lower extremity radiculopathy is manifested by at worst moderate incomplete paralysis. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran’s left knee condition is manifested by at worst frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran’s right knee traumatic arthritis is manifested by at worst painful motion. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran’s PTSD is manifested by at worst flattened affect, disturbances of motivation and mood, sleep impairment, depression, anxiety, and difficulty establishing and maintaining work and social relationships. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.,For the entire appeal period, the Veteran’s left wrist disability is manifested by at worst painful motion. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's increased rating claim for PTSD to consider new evidence and assess the current severity of his symptoms, including suicidal ideations.

The Veteran's PTSD and related conditions, as well as his post-traumatic headaches, are being remanded for additional development to obtain updated VA treatment records and a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to issues with the evidence and need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and verifying exposure to herbicides. The claims will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or maintain a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for TDIU benefits.