PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (diabetes mellitus, PTSD, and sleep apnea) are found to be in equipoise with regards to whether they aggravated his erectile dysfunction. The Board grants service connection for erectile dysfunction with SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ. However, the Veteran is denied a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to January 31, 2017.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete verification of the Veteran's participation in search and recovery efforts for an aircraft crash near Kirtland Air Force Base. Further development is needed, including a psychiatric examination to determine if PTSD or other acquired psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verifying the Veteran's alleged stressors and scheduling a VA examination to determine if he meets the criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and fibroid tumors/hysterectomy, including as secondary to an acquired psychiatric disability, must be remanded due to inadequate examination reports. The Veteran will need a new VA examination to determine if her current acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his death from lung cancer with significant contribution from coronary artery disease. The Board granted DIC based on this finding.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected right knee disabilities, PTSD, and bilateral pes planus are remanded due to the need for additional evidence. His claim for service connection for hearing loss is also remanded as it was incorrectly adjudicated.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including an updated VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial increased rating from 30 to 70 percent. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to May 28, 2016 was rated at 50 percent. The appeal is granted for this issue.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD were denied. The decision also found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a schedular rating in excess of 70 percent for her PTSD.

The claim for PTSD has been reopened and is now pending. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her knee disabilities and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and granted.,No effective date has been assigned as the earliest communication was on October 28, 2016.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal on all issues, including service connection for sleep apnea and higher ratings for PTSD and costochondritis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD and related conditions has been reopened, and the Board finds that new evidence supports a diagnosis of these conditions. However, the preponderance of the evidence is against a finding that the current symptoms are related to his in-service stressor.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including back disorder, left and right knee disorders, chronic liver disease, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The AOJ is instructed to obtain complete medical records, conduct additional examinations, and provide appropriate opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a new medical opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and related conditions. The claim will be reviewed with a VA examination to determine if these disorders are related to the Appellant's military service.

The Veteran's claims for various conditions, including coronary artery disease, shrapnel injuries, PTSD, and cataracts are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone has rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, and he is also entitled to SMC by reason of being housebound due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted an increased rating of 70 percent, but no higher. The Veteran also receives a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.