PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD prior to December 14, 2018 was denied as her symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder and PTSD, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the remaining issues on appeal due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current nature and severity of any diagnosed mental health disabilities, including PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus was denied as the disability is already at its maximum schedular rating.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, to include alcohol dependence and cognitive impairment, was denied due to lack of occupational and social impairment that would warrant such a high rating.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU was denied as service connection was not in effect prior to July 9, 2009.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for DEA benefits was denied as there is no legal basis for the assignment of such a rating prior to July 9, 2009.

The Board has found the Veteran's left wrist disability and acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD) not related to service, but has remanded for further examination and evidence collection regarding his bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has found the Veteran's left wrist disability and acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD) not related to service, but has remanded for further examination and evidence collection regarding his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not make him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and his TDIU claim is denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is granted as service-connected due to herbicide exposure.,The Veteran's coronary artery disease (ischemic heart disease) is granted as service-connected due to herbicide exposure.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder) is granted as service-connected due to herbicide exposure.,The Veteran's vertigo is granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for an acquired mental health disorder, trigeminal neuralgia, and a right ankle sprain have been dismissed due to the Appellant's withdrawal of her appeal.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD with TBI and headaches, as well as left ankle disability were granted effective from June 19, 2012, and July 16, 2012 respectively.,An earlier effective date request was denied.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating higher than 70 percent for PTSD was denied. The issue of entitlement to an earlier effective date for service connection for PTSD prior to February 20, 2017 is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and denied service connection for residuals of traumatic brain injury.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions provided are inadequate for the claims of service connection for a back disability, Hepatitis C, and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD. The Veteran's claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient rationale in a previous VA examination and new evidence of PTSD.

The Veteran's depression, PTSD, and alcoholism have been granted a disability rating of 70 percent from July 14, 2006 forward.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and service connection, finding that there were no prior claims or unadjudicated issues related to these conditions. The Veteran was granted service connection for PTSD on June 23, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for a skin condition is dismissed. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for right ankle disability, lumbar spine disability, left ankle disability, and PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other related conditions, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination using DSM-5 criteria. The current examination under DSM-IV was inadequate.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service connected. The issue of service connection for a left shoulder disability is remanded.