PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including schizophrenia), a back condition, and a respiratory condition to include COPD. The claim for PTSD remains denied due to lack of evidence of an in-service stressor. Service connection for hepatitis C was not addressed as it is unrelated to the other claims.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD prior to January 30, 2018 has been dismissed as he withdrew the claim in writing.

The Veteran's appeal includes requests for an increased evaluation for PTSD and a determination regarding the reduction in his rating from 100 percent to 70 percent. The decision is remanded due to incomplete records, specifically missing Vet Center treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection. The Veteran's arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus type II were both found to be within the applicable rating criteria, with no increase in ratings being granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that he does not meet the criteria for a higher rating or TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and a left knee disability due to insufficient evidence regarding the stressor allegations and the etiology of his left knee condition.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a more recent VA examination is necessary to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder was not received by VA prior to January 25, 2016. Therefore, the effective date cannot be earlier than that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disability, diagnosed as depression and PTSD, was due to an in-service assault and MST. Therefore, service connection for depression and PTSD with anxiety and sleep disorder is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that he does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to his ability to maintain social and occupational relationships.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to new and material evidence. However, the Board has found that additional development is needed for both dermatitis and PTSD claims as well as the left hand disability claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to lack of evidence supporting total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service connected. The Veteran's PTSD claim is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD and TBI have been granted a 70 percent rating, but no higher. The appeal for other issues remains pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and a bilateral foot disability due to incomplete records and insufficient medical evidence. The Veteran is also being asked to provide additional private treatment records relevant to his claimed conditions.

The Board has found that a remand is necessary to obtain additional information regarding the Veteran's claimed stressors and to schedule him for a VA examination. The issues of service connection for PTSD and entitlement to TDIU are being remanded as well.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for dizziness, a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and increased ratings for PTSD were denied. The Veteran was also denied an effective date prior to October 28, 2015, for TDIU on a schedular basis.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD. The claims of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for CAD and TDIU due to intracranial hemorrhage are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not prevent him from maintaining gainful employment, and the Board finds that he is not entitled to a TDIU.