PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, as his non-service connected back injuries and DVT of the left leg also contributed to his unemployment.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran has PTSD and/or other mental illness due to his military service, as the previous examinations are inadequate.

The Board has denied an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to July 9, 2015 and in excess of 70 percent thereafter. The Veteran's claim for secondary service connection for OSA is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded for a new examination to assess the current severity of his condition, as previous examinations did not adequately address indications of past suicidal ideations.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD is denied as there was no prior claim filed within one year of separation from active duty.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD because the Veteran's own willful misconduct caused his PTSD, which precludes service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD rating was reduced from 50% to 30%, but the reduction is void ab initio due to lack of proper findings regarding improvement in ability to function under ordinary conditions. The 50% rating for PTSD has been restored.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection was remanded due to insufficient evidence. The effective date for the PTSD rating is set at September 5, 2017.

The Veteran's appeal regarding an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the submission of additional VA treatment records. The case will be readjudicated and a supplemental statement of the case will be issued.

The Veteran's claim was initially limited to service connection for PTSD, but the medical evidence indicates she has an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The Board is remanded to obtain relevant treatment records and conduct a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, left knee disability, Parkinson's disease, and PTSD due to incomplete records.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his military service and has been granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional VA treatment records and a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorder claims, including a lack of VA examination and treatment records. The Veteran is requested to provide authorization for VA to obtain relevant private treatment records.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depressive disorder and PTSD, is granted. The case is remanded for additional development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that his in-service stressor is established and he meets the diagnostic criteria for PTSD under DSM-5.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial 70 percent disability rating, and he is also entitled to a TDIU.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction remains pending as the VA examiner was requested to provide opinions on both direct service connection and aggravation by service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since September 2013, with no higher rating granted. The decision is based on the severity of symptoms such as suicidal ideation and avoidance of social situations.

The Board denied service connection for heart palpitations, sciatica (pain/numbness from lower back to all the way down to the leg/foot/toe), and PTSD.,There is no current evidence of a heart disability or sciatica related to active duty service. The Veteran's statements regarding these conditions are not considered competent evidence.