PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for a 70 percent or higher disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD did not result in total occupational and social impairment, so the claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent was denied.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral eye disability, allergic rhinitis, and PTSD. The Veteran's claims were not supported by competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,There is no evidence of an in-service event or injury that could be linked to the Veteran’s current eye disabilities, allergic rhinitis, or PTSD.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The Veteran was previously diagnosed with PTSD and other conditions but there is insufficient evidence linking these diagnoses to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol abuse produces severe, but less than total, occupational and social impairment. The Board denied a higher disability rating as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's initial claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, insomnia, PTSD, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were denied. The decision also remanded several issues including the increased rating for PTSD prior to June 23, 2015 and thereafter; the compensable disability rating for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; and the TDIU claim.,The Veteran was not granted any initial ratings or effective dates for his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder. The case is being returned to the RO for further development, including verifying in-service stressors, obtaining military personnel records, providing appropriate notice regarding personal assault claims, scheduling a VA examination, and obtaining updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and evaluations of various conditions have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the Veteran to undergo examinations and obtain additional records in order to properly adjudicate his claims of service connection for bladder cancer, an acquired psychiatric disability including PTSD and adjustment disorder, and TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depression is causing occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent evaluation.,Service connection for sleep apnea as caused by service-connected PTSD with depression has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for updated examination and treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD prior to February 15, 2017 is being remanded due to the need for additional development involving SSA records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the schedular percentage requirements for TDIU, and his educational and occupational background make it impossible for him to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, but the Board has remanded for further development regarding his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and tinnitus do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as his employability is not due to these conditions alone.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's PTSD diagnosis and its relationship to service. The examiner is asked to provide a current diagnosis for PTSD in line with DSM-5, assess whether the 2010 diagnosis was accurate or resolved, and determine if the Veteran's symptoms are related to his reported stressors from Vietnam.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression has been granted an initial rating of 50 percent, effective January 8, 2015.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for PTSD and service connection for various spine conditions, as well as secondary service connection for radiculopathy of the upper and lower extremities. The claims are being remanded to allow for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a skin disorder and psychiatric disorders, including as secondary to chemical exposure. The Veteran contends he was exposed to trichlorethylene (TCE) while in service and that this led to health issues such as skin disorders and PTSD or depression.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and bilateral hearing loss have been granted. The claim for hypertension has been remanded.