PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and headaches rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment from February 19, 2008 to prior to March 3, 2016. His TDIU claim is granted for this period.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to February 23, 2015 was manifested by recurrent distressing dreams and avoidance of reminders of the traumatic events. The Board found that his PTSD caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas but did not cause total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause of the Veteran's death, specifically whether his hepatitis C was caused by in-service immunizations or if it was a result of substance use disorder related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 60 percent effective May 4, 2018. The Veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since December 1, 2016. The Board has remanded the case for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD should be remanded due to conflicting medical evidence and the absence of VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such severity as to preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that he is entitled to TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD due to military sexual trauma, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's PTSD is due to MST. The claim will be granted.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70% from March 2, 2009 to April 3, 2014. After that date, the rating is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for right hip and knee disabilities, as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD). The Veteran's service treatment records do not provide sufficient evidence of his claimed exposures or injuries. Additional development is needed to verify his alleged combat exposure in Iraq and Kuwait.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is sufficiently severe to inhibit his ability to obtain gainful employment, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has decided to remand the case due to issues with the development of evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD. The Veteran needs additional verification of attacks on his unit in Vietnam and a new VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have not caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 30% rating. The appeal for an increased rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) due to a lack of VA examination capabilities. The Veteran is asked to obtain his own medical opinions/examinations and provide them to VA, along with authorizations for any relevant records.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected. The bilateral knee disability and left forearm scar claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the claims can be fully adjudicated. Specifically, VA must obtain medical records from Astoria Health and Rehab Center, Moffit Cancer Center, Dr. P. Hotvedt, Bond Clinic, and Winter Haven Hospital. Additionally, the Appellant should be asked to provide lay statements from individuals who have firsthand knowledge of her husband's conditions.

The Veteran's character of discharge for the period from August 2007 to February 2009 is being remanded due to potential insanity defense. The Board requests a medical opinion on whether the Veteran was insane at the time he committed misconduct leading to his discharge.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was reopened due to new and material evidence. The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric condition is at least as likely as not related to his military service in Korea.