PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression with alcoholism and PTSD (secondary to MST), is remanded due to new evidence received since the March 1997 rating decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals, right fifth metacarpal fracture was denied as the pre-existing condition did not worsen during service.,Service connection for calluses on both feet was also denied due to lack of evidence showing persistence post-service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all service connection claims, including PTSD, chronic pain disorder, bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, residuals of traumatic brain injury (also claimed as head injury), neuropathy of right upper extremity, and sciatica of left lower extremity.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychological disorder, to include PTSD and depression due to new evidence received. However, the claim is still pending as it needs further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for major depression, PTSD due to MST, and other specified trauma and stressor related disorder have been granted. The decision is based on new evidence received since the previous denial.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for TBI was denied as he has not been diagnosed with a TBI during the appeal period.,The Veteran’s right knee scar is currently rated as noncompensable under DC 7805, and no higher rating is warranted based on current evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA treatment records and Vet Center treatment records, as well as a need for updated examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for ischemic heart disease, PTSD, and a skin condition of the feet due to exposure to herbicide agents. The case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is partially granted with respect to service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, but his claim for increased rating for PTSD remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequacies in prior medical opinions related to the Veteran's claimed stressors. Further development is needed to verify a specific incident involving an accident in which a round was discharged inside a vehicle, and to address whether this event supports a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since January 7, 2013. The symptoms include depressed mood, anxiety, irritability, chronic sleep impairment, intrusive recollections, nightmares, flashbacks, infrequent panic attacks, angry outbursts with violence, suspiciousness, isolation, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, avoidance of places and things that remind him of stressors, disturbances of mood and motivation, poor concentration, passing suicidal ideation, impaired impulse control, difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships, difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, and an inability to establish and maintain effective relationships.

The Veteran's diagnosed PTSD is due to an in-service stressor and the Board has granted service connection for PTSD.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD, finding that VA received a claim on February 12, 2016 and thus the earliest possible effective date is February 12, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of PTSD prior to August 17, 2017 was denied. The effective date for the 50 percent rating assigned for PTSD is May 8, 2015.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to a lack of a VA examination and insufficient evidence regarding the claimed stressors. The Veteran must be provided with a VA examination by a psychiatrist or psychologist, who will determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD related to his in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD has been reopened, and the Board has ordered a VA examination to determine if his current psychiatric disorders are related to his military service. The Veteran is also seeking service connection for other acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, migraine headaches, and tinnitus have been reopened. The effective date of the grant of service connection is set at February 19, 2015.

The Veteran's back disability, diagnosed as lumbar disc disease and thoracic spondylosis, is granted service connection.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted service connection.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding his ability to perform sedentary work due to PTSD. Additional information from employers and an addendum opinion are needed.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by symptoms that include difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, hypervigilant behavior, flashbacks, nightmares, depressed mood, panic attacks, nighttime sweats, anxiety, interrupted sleep, fatigue, and irritability. The Board denied a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD as the evidence does not demonstrate total occupational and social impairment.