PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for an initial 70 percent disability rating for service-connected PTSD with TBI was granted, effective May 6, 2016.,The Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD with TBI was dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD claim is being remanded due to the addition of new evidence that has not been reviewed by the AOJ.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which adequately reflects the severity of his symptoms and impairment. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a 70% or 100% disability rating.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is also considered secondary to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has remanded both his claim for a higher rating and his TDIU claim due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. A VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is already rated at 100% disabling, which means he is considered totally disabled. Therefore, the claim for Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is moot.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, and the issue of entitlement to a TDIU is remanded.

The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and depressive disorder NOS, are related to his service. The case is being remanded for this purpose.

The Board has decided that further evidence is needed to determine if the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected conditions or if he had an acquired psychiatric disability, such as PTSD, which may have contributed to his alcoholism and cardiovascular disease.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral eye condition, sleep apnea, hypertension, and PTSD. The Veteran's bilateral eye condition was not incurred during service nor did it manifest therefrom. His sleep apnea was not caused by a service-connected disability or due to an in-service stressor. His hypertension was not incurred during service and is not caused by any service-connected disability. He does not have a verifiable traumatic stressor or PTSD.

The Veteran's GAD is granted as service-connected.,PTSD and MDD claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder, including PTSD and anxiety, has been granted a 70 percent rating. The issues of service connection for a back condition and secondary service connection for erectile dysfunction have also been remanded.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and service connection for PTSD was denied. The decision found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to June 4, 2015, or in excess of 50 percent since June 4, 2015.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is granted as service connection due to the established link between his in-service stressors and current symptoms.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, but has remanded it due to the need for further development and examination.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's tinnitus is service connected. The remaining claims for right ankle disability, left hip and leg disabilities, back disability, bilateral hand disabilities, and PTSD are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for a back disability, PTSD, and obstructive sleep apnea. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the left ankle disorder and increased disability ratings for various knee, hand, and knee conditions, as well as asthma and PTSD with alcohol use disorder.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of PTSD is dismissed. The case is remanded for further examination and determination regarding service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome.