PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection and effective date claims related to TBI residuals, headache disability, thoracolumbar spine disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, coronary artery disease, PTSD with depressive disorder, and left eyebrow scar residuals. The issues of increased ratings for coronary artery disease and PTSD with depressive disorder; and entitlement to total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to November 28, 2005 for service-connection for PTSD was denied as the evidence did not establish a stressor that occurred during his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, an acquired psychological condition (including post-traumatic stress disorder), and a back condition. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, due to insufficient credible evidence establishing a claimed in-service stressor occurred.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30% since August 1, 2016. The VA Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) granted a 50% rating for PTSD effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating. The symptoms have caused reduced reliability and productivity, but not severe enough to meet the criteria for a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal for Gulf War Illness was dismissed. Service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and panic disorder with agoraphobia, is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information regarding the impact of PTSD on the Veteran's ability to care for himself. Additional medical records and a new VA examination are needed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information regarding the impact of PTSD on the Veteran's ability to perform daily activities and to obtain updated VA treatment records. The Veteran will need a new VA aid and attendance examination conducted by a mental health professional.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, shell fragment wound to left muscle group III, hearing loss, and TBI, rendered him unemployable as of May 26, 2011. His effective date for a total disability based upon individual unemployability is set at this date.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD has been denied. His TDIU claim is granted, and his service connection claim for colon cancer due to herbicide exposure is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination for PTSD. The Veteran's representative requested a new examination as the current one was not conducted in person and did not adequately assess the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right great toe disorder, respiratory disorder (COPD/bronchial asthma), and PTSD have been denied as there is no current diagnosis for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a sleep disorder, PTSD, and hypertension were denied. The claim for reopening of the previous denial of service connection for hypertension was granted. Service connection for psychosis for treatment purposes was not established. The claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for anxiety was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information and need for further examination regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The VA must obtain the Veteran's complete personnel records and provide notice on personal assault claims under 38 C.F.R. § 3.304(f)(5).

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective from the current evaluation. The prostate condition remains at a 60 percent rating since December 27, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis prior to April 2017 is being remanded due to the need to determine if his employment in his family's business constituted substantially gainful employment or marginal employment.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for left and right knee disabilities, as well as an increased rating for PTSD prior to June 12, 2018, have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal during a Board hearing.

The Veteran's initial compensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss and essential tremors have been denied.,The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial rating of no greater than 50 percent, subject to the laws and regulations governing monetary benefits.