PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD stressor. The Veteran is required to provide verification of his reported military activities and a VA examination must be conducted to determine if he meets the criteria for PTSD.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted, subject to the laws that govern the payment of monetary benefits. The claim for increased evaluations and service connection are all remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues, including service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, a low back condition, and a neck condition. The claims are being remanded to allow for further development and consideration of the evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2 was reopened and granted on a presumptive basis due to exposure to herbicides during service.,The Veteran's claims for depression and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine were reopened. The Veteran's PTSD claim was also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the maximum available rating.,The Veteran's GERD is rated at 30 percent.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's PTSD is not related to service and remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD. However, the issue of secondary service connection for hypertension due to PTSD is remanded as there are insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his right ankle disability is granted, with a 20% rating effective from April 25, 2018.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for HIV-related illness is remanded due to the need for further evaluation and consideration.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of records and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including PTSD and bipolar disorder. A new VA examination is required to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that the claim of entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD for the period from February 16, 1984, to December 3, 1995 is on appeal. The effective date claim for TDIU will be remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, all other conditions, and effective dates. The Veteran's claims were not granted.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than December 3, 2015 for the grant of service connection for PTSD is denied. The case is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current status of his PTSD.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted service connection. The Veteran's CAD does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 60 percent, and his PTSD meets the criteria for ratings in excess of 30 percent prior to January 15, 2018, and in excess of 70 percent thereafter.

The Board denied the Veteran's requests for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD and for restoration of his VA disability compensation that was withheld to recoup his separation pay. The Veteran appealed the withholding of his VA benefits, arguing it was unfair because he did not want to separate from service in 1992. However, the Board found no legal provision under which they could grant relief.

The Veteran's cause of death was determined to be COPD. The Board has remanded the case for a medical opinion regarding whether his COPD is related to service, including exposure to Agent Orange and other chemicals during service. Additionally, the Board requested an opinion on whether the use of tobacco products as a result of PTSD contributed substantially or materially to cause his death.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease, posttraumatic stress disorder, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to November 19, 2015.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the VA examiner's opinion and the need for additional medical records, particularly from prison facilities. The Veteran will be provided a new examination to determine the nature of her acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, hernia, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression), finding no competent evidence of a nexus to his period of active duty training.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for a VA examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being reviewed, along with other acquired psychiatric disorders.