PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran is granted TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, and the reduction in the rating for bilateral high frequency hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and thus grants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded several issues including service connection for osteomyelitis, vasculopathy, tinnitus, and PTSD. The rating in excess of 10 percent for hypertension and the effective dates for service connection for hypertension and depressive disorder are also being remanded.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate for several of the issues on appeal, particularly regarding the Veteran's mental health conditions and his pelvis disability. The claims are being remanded to obtain additional opinions from appropriate clinicians.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and remanded the issue of service connection for HIV. The Veteran's current PTSD is found to be related to his in-service military sexual trauma, while the cause of his HIV status remains unclear due to conflicting medical records.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has remanded for a new examination to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities. The TDIU claim prior to June 13, 2017, is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the evaluation of service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and bipolar disorder. The Veteran's claims are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood prior to June 29, 2017. A rating of 70 percent was granted for this period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neck pain, lower back pain, right hip pain, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD) due to failure of the Veteran to report for VA examinations scheduled in October 2013 without good cause. The Veteran is entitled to rescheduling of these examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an eye condition secondary to his service-connected residuals, small cell carcinoma of the lung has been reopened and remanded. The Veteran also had two other issues related to PTSD and employment that were remanded.,A higher evaluation for PTSD was denied as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 50% or higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected dysthymic disorder and PTSD are currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The Board has found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for an increased disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and a depressive disorder, is related to his service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle disability, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee disability, and an initial compensable rating for right knee scars. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD claims should be remanded due to conflicting opinions regarding the diagnosis and etiology of his condition, necessitating further examination.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings have been denied. The Board found no evidence of an earlier claim or entitlement, and the preponderance of the evidence did not support any earlier effective date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted. The claim for service connection for alcohol abuse as secondary to PTSD is remanded due to insufficient medical opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and bipolar disorder have been reopened, but her claim for herpes is denied. The Board has ordered a remand for further examination to determine the etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment.