PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's PTSD, anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder are granted as they are related to his in-service assault. The claim for TBI is remanded due to lack of a diagnosis.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at a 30 percent disability rating since March 6, 2017. The Board found the evidence supported this rating based on occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date of January 5, 2011 for her service connection for PTSD, major depressive disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. The decision found that the petition to reopen the claim was received on January 5, 2011, which is considered the later of the date entitlement arose (November 2, 2008) and the date of the claim.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an initial rating of 50 percent, effective from November 28, 2018. His hearing loss rating was restored to 10 percent.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is granted as service connected due to a traumatic stressor experienced during active service.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, migraine headaches, conjunctivitis, and sinusitis have been granted. Additionally, the Veteran has been awarded a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board previously decided the issue of an earlier effective date for a PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder evaluation, and this appeal is dismissed as it was not properly before the Board.

The Veteran's appeals for a rating in excess of 100 percent for PTSD and entitlement to TDIU have been dismissed as the Veteran has already received the maximum benefits allowed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and tinnitus have all been denied. The Board found no credible evidence to support the claimed in-service stressors for PTSD, and there is insufficient medical evidence linking any diagnosed psychiatric disorders to service.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent effective July 6, 2010. The Board denied entitlement to TDIU prior to February 7, 2019 and denied an earlier effective date for DEA benefits.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 70 percent since October 6, 2010. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran is granted TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities. The case for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is remanded as the VA has not obtained all relevant private treatment records from Emory University.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it first manifested in service and has been continuous since.,The Veteran's leukemia claim is remanded due to the need for further development of medical evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for further development due to the need for VA examinations and obtaining additional medical records.

The Veteran's depressive disorder not otherwise specified (claimed as posttraumatic stress disorder) has been granted a 70 percent rating, but the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is remanded due to incomplete information from the Veteran's last employer.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and further investigation is needed to determine if ischemic heart disease existed at the time of death, its relationship to service or any event, injury, or disease during service, and whether PTSD caused or contributed to the fatal motor vehicle accident.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 30 percent rating prior to November 16, 2018 and granted a 70 percent rating as of that date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence regarding his exposure to asbestos and potential service connection for respiratory condition, as well as further development of his heart disease, DM II, HTN, gout, and chronic low back pain.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for schizophrenia has been reopened, and the case is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding his psychiatric conditions.

The Board found no evidence to support a direct relationship between the Veteran's active duty service and his acquired psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, depression, and PTSD.