PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination of the Veteran's PTSD disability and obtaining treatment records. The issues of service connection for right ear hearing loss and right knee disability are also pending.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates have been denied as the evidence does not show an increase in disability prior to May 19, 2017.,VA has determined that the Veteran is not entitled to DEA benefits due to his service-connected disabilities because he did not meet the eligibility criteria at any time before May 19, 2017.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's PTSD should be evaluated at a higher initial rating than 50 percent, but needs more evidence to make this determination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent, and the Board found that it does not warrant a higher rating based on the severity of his symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to obtain his complete service treatment records and determine the appropriate rating for his hearing loss, as well as service connection for sleep apnea, irritable bowel syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a mental health condition.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and Depression, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his in-service stressors during Operation Desert Shield.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed stressors and a need for further clarification on her current psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's tinnitus and headaches are granted service connection. The claims for hypertension, left knee disorder, right knee disability, GERD, PTSD, increased ratings, and TDIU are REMANDED.

The appeals of several conditions were dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, MDD, and GAD. The claim will be reconsidered after a VA examination is conducted.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating, and his condition is currently rated at 50 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision. Additionally, the Board granted TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran is granted earlier effective dates of March 31, 2014 for the grant of service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, a 60 percent evaluation for Actinic keratosis, and a 30 percent evaluation for Renal calculi.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative arthritis and PTSD and anxiety disorder have been granted service connection. The Veteran is also awarded an initial 50 percent rating for his PTSD and anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The rating for low back strain, radiculopathy (right lower extremity), PTSD, and somatic symptom pain disorder remain at 40%, 10%, 70%, and 70% respectively. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability was granted from September 18, 2018.

The Veteran's stroke and PTSD claims were denied as there was no evidence linking these conditions to service. The temporary total evaluation based on surgical or other treatment necessitating convalescence claim was also denied.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for residuals of concussion and is seeking additional medical opinions to determine if the Veteran's hearing loss is related to his traumatic brain injury in service. The effective date for the increased rating of PTSD remains May 8, 2017.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and evaluation of whether the appellant was insane at the time of his involuntary manslaughter, which led to his dishonorable discharge. The VA will obtain all relevant records and schedule a medical examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and thus grants the claim for service connection.