PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol dependence was initially granted a 50 percent rating, which was later increased to 70 percent. The claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with alcohol dependence is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is being remanded for further development, including verification of in-service stressors and a psychiatric examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination to determine if the Veteran has any other psychiatric disorder related to service, including PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and leg and ankle pain have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examination. The claim for PTSD remains denied as new evidence does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim, while the claim for leg and ankle pain is granted as new evidence addresses an unestablished fact.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and further development is needed, including obtaining VA treatment records for PTSD symptoms and assessing occupational impairment.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is remanded due to the need for updated VA and private treatment records, as well as a new examination.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for PTSD and granted it, finding that new evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD related to in-service combat experiences.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of low back pain, back scars, and PTSD with sleep disorder. Specifically, VA must provide appropriate VCAA notice letters, obtain relevant records from service departments, and ensure all necessary development actions are completed.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and Schizophrenia, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his military service. The claim for PTSD was reopened due to new evidence received since the last denial.

The Veteran withdrew his claim for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has determined that additional development is required for the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, lumbosacral strain with rheumatoid spondylitis, sacroiliac joints and degenerative joint disease, coronary artery disease, PTSD, and TDIU. The claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar, as well as his TDIU claim due to inadequate examination reports. The Veteran will need a VA examination to determine if his conditions are related to service.

Service connection is granted for PTSD and schizoaffective disorder, but denied for COPD, asthma, and erectile dysfunction. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for erectile dysfunction due to VA treatment is also denied.

The Veteran's 30 percent rating for coronary artery disease is restored, effective December 12, 2014. The 50 percent rating for PTSD prior to March 1, 2017 and the 50 percent rating from that date are denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for an examination that conforms to the DSM-5 criteria. The Veteran's PTSD claim is being reviewed again.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a hernia or psychiatric disability, to include PTSD. The claims for service connection are denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to his ability to independently ambulate without assistive devices.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right and left testicle disorders, PTSD, depression, and bilateral knee disabilities are all granted. The decision also remands the Veteran's claim for a back disorder and skin disorder.

Right ear hearing loss is not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a link between current condition and in-service noise exposure. Left ear hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable.,PTSD symptoms are currently evaluated at 70 percent, but no higher rating is warranted given the severity of symptoms does not meet criteria for total disability.

The Board has denied a compensable rating for paroxysmal tachycardia and remanded the cases of lumbar degenerative arthritis, post-traumatic stress disorder, and the effective date claim. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations and file a substantive appeal if he wishes to pursue these issues further.