PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's sleep apnea is not related to his service-connected PTSD. The Board has remanded several issues for further examination and opinion.

The petition to reopen the claims for service connection for PTSD, bipolar disorder with alcohol dependence, left knee disability, right knee disability, lumbar spine DDD, left ankle condition, and right ankle condition is granted. The Board found new and material evidence in some of these cases.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, chloracne, and PTSD due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding whether PTSD aggravated dementia, which was a contributing factor to the Veteran's death. The Veteran had service-connected disabilities but did not meet the legal criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, secondary to military sexual trauma is granted. The Board also finds that the Veteran's left shoulder condition may be related to her in-service injury and grants this claim as well.

The Veteran's PTSD with a history of alcohol use disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 50 percent.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, skin disorder, PTSD, and acquired psychiatric disorder are all denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities meeting the criteria for service connection on a direct basis.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected because it is related to his combat stressors experienced during his service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with heroin abuse in full remission and depressive disorder not otherwise specified is granted a 100 percent rating, representing total social and occupational impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder is rated at 70 percent effective January 19, 2016. Service connection for COPD has been remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of records.,Further examination is required to determine if the Veteran has a current psychiatric disorder, TBI, headache disorder, vision disorder, or hypertension that is related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination and consideration of alternative forms of evidence, including lay statements from family members or fellow service-members.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is at least as likely as not related to his service. Service connection was denied for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and sleep apnea. The claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and OSA as secondary to PTSD due to insufficient evidence of a verified in-service stressor. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting diagnoses and lack of verification for a reported in-service stressor. A new VA examination is needed to determine if any current psychiatric diagnosis, including PTSD or anxiety, is related to service.

The Board denied the petitions to reopen claims for service connection for bilateral tinnitus and PTSD, finding that new and material evidence had not been received.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as he has established a diagnosis of PTSD and a link between his current symptoms and in-service stressors.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional development, including obtaining authorization and records from a private provider of psychiatric treatment.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which reflects occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.,The Veteran’s migraine and tension headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, reflecting prostrating attacks occurring several times per month.