PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD was granted, and she is now rated at 70% disability. The Board found that the Veteran meets the criteria for TDIU due to her service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome has been granted, and the appeal is dismissed as moot.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD and remanded several other issues including increased ratings for his wrist and ankle conditions, as well as a TDIU determination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new and material evidence having been received, but further examination is needed to determine if his acquired psychiatric disorder, back disability, and sleep apnea are related to his time in service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations, treatment records review, and retrospective medical opinions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for COPD.,The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent from January 27, 2015 for PTSD. The Board has also remanded several other issues related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia and IBS have been granted increased ratings, while his PTSD claim remains denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since March 2015. The Board denied an increased rating, finding that the occupational and social impairment from his PTSD did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a rating of 70 percent, but no higher, effective September 26, 2012 to January 5, 2017. The Veteran also meets the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is characterized by total occupational and social impairment, resulting in a grant of a 100 percent rating. The claim for TDIU was dismissed as the Veteran has been awarded a 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's diagnosed PTSD is found to be related to in-service stressors, including military sexual trauma and service during Operation Desert Storm. The Board granted service connection for PTSD based on the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for sleep apnea, as it relates to both diabetes mellitus type 2 and PTSD. The examiner is required to provide an opinion on whether there is a direct link between the Veteran's in-service snoring problems and current sleep apnea, as well as whether the sleep apnea is proximately due to or aggravated by service-connected diabetes mellitus type 2 or PTSD.

The appeals of the denial of service connection for PTSD and depression due to alcohol and substance abuse are dismissed because no valid appeal has been received.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD was denied, and the Board has remanded his claims for cervical strain and lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD is granted, subject to the laws and regulations governing the award of monetary benefits. The claim for an earlier effective date than January 29, 2009, for the grant of service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure of the Veteran to report for a VA examination and lack of proper notification. The case will be returned after further development, including scheduling a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and diabetes mellitus, prevented him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment beginning November 5, 2018. A total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus, PTSD, and bilateral hearing loss are related to service. However, further evidence is needed for the psychiatric disorder claim due to outstanding Vet Center records, and a new examination is required for both the hearing loss and PTSD claims.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the increased rating of PTSD was denied. The Board found that it is not factually ascertainable that a rating in excess of 30 percent was warranted for his PTSD within a year before the receipt of his claim.,The Veteran’s claim for service connection for sleep disability, to include as secondary to service-connected PTSD, is remanded and requires further examination.