PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of second degree burns on the left arm is granted. The claims for diabetes mellitus, nerve damage to the left hand and left arm, and an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD) are remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's PTSD claim is pending, his left shoulder osteoarthritis rating needs to be reconsidered with a VA examination, and his right hand fracture case requires additional evidence or clarification.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder NOS, and insomnia. The Veteran's current diagnoses of these conditions are linked to his in-service combat stressors.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (to include PTSD) and a nerve condition of the hands have been dismissed due to his failure to provide requested clarification and authorizations for VA to obtain critical evidence needed to properly adjudicate these claims.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, opioid and cannabis use disorder, and bilateral hearing loss have all been denied. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection in any of these cases.

The Veteran's mother is seeking accrued benefits for a period of several months based on service connection for PTSD. However, the appeal was denied as the claim was filed over one year after the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional information regarding stressor events.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities and his time in service. A VA examination is needed to determine if any of these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted. Service connection for a testicle condition and tinea versicolor are denied, as well as an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinea versicolor. The effective dates for the grants of service connection for PTSD and tinea versicolor are denied.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have worsened since the last VA examination, and a new evaluation is needed to determine if his rating should be increased.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits was denied because he is not permanently and totally disabled from nonservice-connected disabilities, as evidenced by his continued employment.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and granted service connection for anxiety disorder. Service connection for peptic ulcer was remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches, to include as secondary to a psychiatric disorder and/or tinnitus. The decision also grants service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (sleep apnea). However, the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded due to insufficient evidence of in-service stressor.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as the weight of evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD.,Service connection was granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, which includes bipolar disorder and depressive disorder. The Board found that these conditions are etiologically related to service.

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

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for hypertension, a psychiatric disability (including PTSD, depression, and anxiety), and a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and consideration of outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and reduction of disability ratings for PTSD and Ischemic Heart Condition are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and conducting new examinations. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also inextricably intertwined with these claims.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation of his adjustment disorder was granted, and he is now rated at 70 percent disabling. The TDIU claim has also been granted.

The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 10 percent for chronic lumbosacral strain prior to December 10, 2014 was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 20 percent for chronic lumbosacral strain from December 10, 2014 until January 24, 2018 was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 40 percent for chronic lumbosacral strain since January 24, 2018 remains pending and is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 50 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prior to December 10, 2014 was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since December 10, 2014 remains pending and is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, lung cancer, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. The decision found that new evidence did not meet the criteria to reopen the claim for posttraumatic stress disorder. Lung cancer was denied as there was no current diagnosis or link to service. Hepatitis A and B were denied due to lack of a current disability. Hepatitis C was denied based on the absence of any exposure or antibodies.