PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with sleep disorder and alcoholism was denied due to lack of verified in-service stressors. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim. Service connection for hypertension was granted, but the low back disorder issue is remanded.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a right knee disability based on new and material evidence. However, further development is needed to determine if the Veteran's current right knee condition is related to his military service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied because his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, as they are caused by nonservice-connected conditions such as COPD and emphysema.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since February 14, 2018. The claim for TDIU is granted and effective from the date of the original service connection award (December 2011).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and physical conditions, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional records and clarification regarding a requested telephonic conference.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD. The RO must now evaluate these claims on their merits.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient recent VA treatment records and a need for further evaluation of the Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Board has remanded the cases of IBS and GERD, PTSD increased rating, and sleep apnea for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including whether it is related to service, herbicide exposure, or his pre-existing conditions.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the Veteran's assertion of worsening symptoms and impairment not fully addressed by his most recent VA examination. The case will be returned for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling an updated VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70% prior to April 26, 2011 and granted TDIU from January 26, 2010 to April 26, 2011. The issues of higher evaluation on or after April 26, 2011 and earlier effective date for service connection are dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is granted. The Board also remanded the issues of service connection for psychiatric disability, neck disability, low back disability, and migraine headaches.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 50% disability rating, but the Board found that more evidence is needed to determine if he should receive a higher rating. Service connection for OSA and knee conditions were remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorders rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU effective February 6, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for tinnitus was granted, but the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD was denied for ratings in excess of 50 percent prior to May 14, 2015 and in excess of 70 percent since May 14, 2015.

The Veteran's award of service-connected compensation for a psychiatric disorder continues to include PTSD, as all his symptoms are already considered in the rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause of death and the relationship between service, exposure to herbicide agents, and the Veteran's conditions.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD, finding no clear and unmistakable error in the 1979 rating decision.