PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities was denied because his income exceeded the poverty threshold and he could still perform substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, heart condition, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and acquired psychiatric disorder were all denied service connection. The Board found that the current conditions did not manifest during or are otherwise related to active service.,The Veteran was unable to establish a nexus between his current disabilities and military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and examination, as there is insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain a VA examination for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety. The examiner must address whether these conditions are related to an in-service stressor or other service-connected condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% and remains granted. The claim for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence that has not been previously considered.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss, do not render him unemployable or unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The claim for service connection for lymphoma and its residuals has been remanded. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder) also needs to be remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for TBI was denied. The effective date for a 70 percent rating for PTSD is set at January 6, 2012. An earlier effective date of June 14, 2016 for the 60 percent rating for urethral stricture is not granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as it was incurred during his active duty service, and the Board found that there was a causal relationship between his combat experiences and his current PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for further examination and clarification of his mental health conditions.

The appeals of the issues of an increased rating for a lumbosacral spine disorder and service connection for ulcers, as associated with PTSD disorder are dismissed. The appeal to reopen a previously denied and final claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and entitlement to TDIU as there was no evidence of a verified in-service stressor, and the Veteran had no other service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD linked to in-service stressor and grants service connection for PTSD. Other issues related to initial ratings are remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed to his death.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder, sleep disturbances related to posttraumatic stress disorder, and depression related to posttraumatic stress disorder were denied. The claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss disability was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected right knee patellofemoral syndrome, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, right triceps tendonitis and right shoulder bicipital tendonitis and impingement syndrome, and left triceps tendonitis. The rating assigned for PTSD remains denied.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea secondary to PTSD, and TDIU due to the need for a medical examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD and MDD related to in-service stressors such as sexual assault, falling off a gun mount, and participation in military operations.

The Veteran's initial ratings for Degenerative Joint Disease of the Lumbar Spine and PTSD have been denied as his conditions do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable VA rating criteria.