PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for PTSD due to insufficient evidence regarding its etiology and treatment. The Veteran's combat experience is conceded, but his current diagnosis of PTSD is not supported by a VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD with panic attacks is granted an initial evaluation of 50 percent prior to January 5, 2017. The issue of a higher rating for PTSD with panic attacks from January 5, 2017 remains on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder is rated at 70 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating of 100 percent due to insufficient evidence of total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD was withdrawn during his hearing. The appeals for service connection for basal cell carcinoma, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus were dismissed.,The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for right ear hearing loss. The Board has remanded the remaining issues: left chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma, bipolar disorder, vertigo, TBI, and PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal of service connection for PTSD, depression, and sleep apnea was dismissed as the claim had been granted in full prior to the Board's consideration.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of August 13, 2004, for the grant of service connection for PTSD is granted. The Board also remanded the issue of assigning a TDIU rating prior to December 15, 2008.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is rated as noncompensable, and the appeal for a higher rating is remanded.,The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and an increased rating to a higher level is requested. The Board has determined that the current rating of 70 percent is appropriate.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty regarding the Veteran's service during Hurricane Katrina and her participation in relief efforts. The AOJ is instructed to verify all periods of service, including verifying whether her service was pursuant to Title 10 or Title 32 of the United States Code, or if it was state-controlled.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 50% disability rating, but not higher. The Veteran's fracture of the maxilla and splintering of the buccal plate requires a compensable disability rating and in excess of 40 percent from November 5, 2018. TDIU for the period prior to November 8, 2018 is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, right knee and left elbow conditions, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board granted a TDIU based on the combined effect of these disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and other specified psychotic disorder, finding that there was no current diagnosis of PTSD based on DSM-5 criteria and insufficient evidence linking any psychiatric disability to service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since February 5, 2018. This rating reflects the severity of his symptoms and impairment in work and social functioning.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for chronic fatigue syndrome and PTSD have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD is now rated at the highest possible disability rating of 100 percent, indicating total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to a lack of recent VA treatment records and examinations. The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder and diabetes mellitus, type II are being evaluated again.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment. His TDIU claim is granted. The issues of service connection for upper extremity PN are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his PTSD was dismissed as he withdrew the appeal in writing.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, finding that his current symptoms are at least as likely as not related to an in-service assault.