PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's previously denied claim of service connection for PTSD has been reopened, and the Board finds that new evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD related to in-service stressors. However, the Board also found that the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors are not credible and cannot be corroborated, thus denying service connection.

The Board has granted the reopening of the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include schizophrenia and PTSD. The evidence received since the last denial supports that the Veteran’s current mental health conditions may have begun in service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (myopathy and PTSD) have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted entitlement to total unemployability.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and other disabilities prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, so the Board has granted his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right hand arthritis and an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder with depression were denied. The Veteran was also denied a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to November 25, 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from performing the physical and mental acts required for employment prior to March 18, 2014.

The Veteran and his representative have withdrawn their appeal for the issue of entitlement to a TDIU. The Board does not have jurisdiction to decide this matter.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various acquired psychiatric disorders, including OCD, anxiety, PTSD, depression, and a gambling disorder. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the maximum available rating. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, but the effective date prior to August 31, 2012 is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and the need for a new psychiatric examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a specialized notice regarding the methods for substantiating a psychiatric claim related to a personal assault stressor and for obtaining a VA medical examination.

The Board previously denied the Veteran's claims for PTSD and depression due to lack of verified stressor or medical evidence. The Court remanded with instructions to provide an adequate statement of reasons for the determination regarding the corroboration of the alleged personal assault in service, and to ensure VA satisfied its duty to assist by providing a proper examination. The case is now being returned to the Board for further action.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is remanded due to the lack of corroboration for his claimed in-service stressors. The Board will attempt to verify these events and provide a VA examination if necessary.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from May 17, 2011.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for a low back disability, right knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep disability, headaches, an increased rating for a right ankle disability, and an earlier effective date for PTSD. The RO is instructed to issue supplemental statements of the case on these issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to an issue related to the Veteran's status and a need for clarification from his representative.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between his service-connected conditions and his sleep apnea.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and tinnitus prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, leading to a TDIU rating.