PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 70% disability rating effective July 22, 2008. An earlier effective date for the TDIU is denied as he was gainfully employed in 2018.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of a left ankle disorder and an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for asthma were denied. The Veteran was granted a 50% evaluation for PTSD with depression, but the issue is subject to further development.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder on a secondary basis to his service-connected fibromyalgia.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and remanded the issue of a higher rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including verification of his reported stressor and a VA examination to assess the validity of his PTSD claim.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent, but he asserts that his disability causes more severe occupational and social impairment. The Board finds additional development necessary due to the lack of recent VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied. For the period from December 20, 2012 to June 16, 2017, a higher initial disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD was granted but not for the entire appeal period as some issues were remanded. Service connection claims for hand tremors and vision disorder are pending.

The Board has remanded multiple claims, including service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, acid reflux with hiatal hernia, acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD), and left shoulder disorder. The remand also includes obtaining VA medical opinions regarding the relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a low back condition and PTSD, as further examination is needed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected PTSD and right knee condition, finding that he was still employed in a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since July 31, 2011 to July 30, 2014, and from October 1, 2014. The Board found that the evidence does not show total social and occupational impairment due to PTSD symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability and the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that any such disability was incurred in or aggravated by service.,Service connection for left ankle disability prior to July 8, 2013 is denied as the Veteran's symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher than 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 50% rating effective October 1, 2009. The effective date for convalescence extension was extended to September 30, 2009.,A temporary total disability rating for PTSD is granted from June 29, 2009, to September 29, 2009.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to his military service and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent for the entire rating period on appeal beginning November 12, 2014. The Board also granted a TDIU effective from this date.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA medical opinion regarding whether the appellant was insane at the time of his misconduct during service.

The Veteran's PTSD with TBI is currently rated at 70 percent, effective prior to January 14, 2014. The Board has granted a separate 30 percent rating for vertigo due to TBI from September 1, 2011.

The Veteran's claims for major depressive disorder and PTSD have been denied, while the claim for sleep apnea is being remanded. The decision on service connection remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted as new and material evidence has been received. The appeal is remanded to obtain VA treatment records, Workers' Compensation records, and a VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (claimed as Panic Disorder), is related to his military service. The VA examiner will need to provide an addendum opinion on this issue.