PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinion and requests for an examination by a fee-based medical professional at the Veteran's prison.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has found that a higher rating may be warranted. The VA examinations for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and hearing loss are needed to determine their current severity. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to his military service. The Veteran was stationed in Seoul, South Korea, and also deployed during Operation Desert Storm/Shield.

Service connection for hypertension is granted, and a 20 percent rating is assigned. The left eye third cranial nerve palsy is rated at 0 percent effective since April 2015. Multiple coronary artery bypass scars are rated at 20 percent due to pain and instability. Effective from August 31, 2011, the Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, are related to service. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The Veteran must be provided with a new VA examination to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of any currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to his current combined evaluation of 100 percent and lack of qualifying conditions.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities are being remanded due to the inadequacy of the September 2016 VA Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Disability Benefits Questionnaire, which does not include a response as to the level of occupational and social impairment with regards to PTSD. The Veteran's claim for TDIU is inextricably intertwined with his PTSD rating claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent disabling and his service-connected low back and right knee disabilities are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hypertension, left foot disability, right foot disability, PTSD, lumbar spine disability, and right knee disability were denied. The Veteran's claim for increased ratings of his bilateral foot disabilities was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD led to a medical emergency at Naples Community Hospital on May 22, 2015. The decision grants payment or reimbursement for the unauthorized medical expenses incurred due to the severity of the groin pain and the unavailability of VA facilities.

The Veteran's service records do not show any complaints or treatment for unspecified joint pain, irritable bowel syndrome, tinnitus, PTSD, neck disability, back disability, or hernia. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.,There is no evidence linking the Veteran’s dental condition to his period of active service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for a 50% rating.

The Veteran's emergency medical treatment at Samaritan Regional Health on March 26, 2014 was approved as it met the criteria for reimbursement under the Veterans Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act due to his service-connected PTSD and heart disease.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as incurred in service.,The TDIU termination was improper, and the RO restored it from December 16, 2008.

The Board has denied service connection for a right ankle disability, PTSD, and TBI as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's service-connected sporadic seizures and PTSD are being remanded for further evaluation to determine the nature, severity, and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since December 2013. The Board granted a higher rating of 70% for the entire initial period on appeal, finding that his symptoms warrant this level of disability.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to May 12, 2017. From May 12, 2017, the rating for PTSD is increased to 100 percent.