PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable schedular criteria.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with insomnia was granted. The appeal for nonservice-connected pension was dismissed, and the claim for hypertension is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new one must be conducted.

The Veteran's claims of increased ratings for his back, neck, and right shoulder disabilities are remanded. The Board also finds that the TDIU claim is inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Board has decided the case is on appeal for service connection of sleep apnea, secondary to PTSD. Additional etiology opinions are needed as the current opinion did not address whether the Veteran's sleep apnea had its onset in or was related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 70 percent since July 5, 2017. The rating is based on the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his occupational and social functioning.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for tinnitus is denied as the current 10 percent rating already reflects the impact of his tinnitus.,An effective date prior to June 5, 2015, for the grant of service connection for PTSD is not warranted due to lack of a formal or informal written communication indicating intent to apply for this benefit prior to that date.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to ongoing issues with severing service connection for PTSD and the need to obtain SSA records, VA treatment records, and private psychiatric treatment records. The matter will be deferred until the PTSD severance action is completed.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is granted a 70 percent disability rating, and he is granted a TDIU. Service connection for sleep apnea is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a rating of 70 percent before July 21, 2016. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to conflicting medical opinions and unclear evidence regarding when the Veteran's schizophrenia first manifested.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have increased since his last VA examination in April 2017. A more contemporaneous examination is needed to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for additional development, including an updated VA examination.

The appellant's claim for accrued benefits based on CUE in the May 2008 rating decision denying TDIU is denied as a matter of law because she does not have standing to bring such a claim.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder has been found to preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, leading to a grant of a TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, is rated at 70 percent since January 4, 2018. The effective date for this rating remains unchanged from the date of claim.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected. The Veteran's PTSD, lumbar spine disability, left hip and right hip disabilities, left ankle and right ankle disabilities, respiratory disability, and fatigue are denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The Board also granted service connection for PTSD as it is at least as likely as not related to in-service stressors during a rough sea voyage.