PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no credible supporting evidence of a personal assault in-service and concluding that the preponderance of the evidence is against the claim.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted.

The February 2016 rating decision did not address the issues raised in the November 2011 and February 2013 NODs, so past-due benefits for attorney representation are denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board grants a TDIU based on this.

The Board denied service connection for right and left wrist disorders, but granted service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's other claims are remanded.,Service connection was not established for the following conditions: bilateral shoulder disorder, bilateral elbow disorder, hypertension, varicose veins of the lower extremities, and headaches.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence to confirm the Veteran's claimed stressors. The Veteran is asked to provide more specific details about the alleged incidents and seek statements from fellow service members who may have knowledge of these events.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for defective vision, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hepatitis C, cirrhosis of the liver, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction have been reopened. Service connection has been granted for PTSD effective October 27, 2003. Other claims remain pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to January 7, 2014, on an extraschedular basis. The evidence did not show that his service-connected disabilities precluded him from securing or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board denied an increased rating. The claim for TDIU was also denied as the Veteran does not meet the schedular requirements.

The Board has determined that additional medical examinations are needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, including left lower extremity condition, eczema, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression), and residuals of a traumatic brain injury. The claims for service connection will be remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is warranted due to changes in his occupational impairment since his last examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his left hip, right hip, and left ankle disabilities, as well as his PTSD with secondary alcohol dependence, require additional examinations to assess their current severity. The appeals are therefore being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding the appellant's claimed PTSD, as well as her reported assault during service. The examiner will assess whether any acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service or if it was caused by an in-service assault.

The Board has granted the appellant's applications to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for tinnitus and a psychiatric disability, including PTSD with depression and anxiety. Service connection is also granted for these conditions. The appeals regarding left shoulder disability and gynecomastia are remanded.

The Board dismissed all the issues on appeal due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeals.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment prior to December 5, 2014.

The Veteran's left knee sprain and lumbar strain have been rated at 10 percent each, effective January 28, 2009. The Veteran is seeking higher ratings for these conditions.,The Veteran's sleep apnea has not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent, despite requiring use of a CPAP machine.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is denied. The effective date for the 50 percent rating and service connection for PTSD is set at July 2, 2009.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied as the evidence does not show any current disabilities related to active service.