PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent from September 23, 2009, to April 5, 2017. The claim for a higher evaluation remains denied as the evidence does not show occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to August 19, 2012 for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied. The Veteran also sought a higher initial rating for his PTSD, which was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a rating of 70 percent effective from January 5, 2012. The increased rating for ischemic heart disease prior to May 18, 2012 is denied.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claims for service connection for right and left ear hearing loss is granted. The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is also granted.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the submission of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination and incomplete service records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being reviewed again as part of this process.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70 percent rating throughout the appeal period, effective June 1, 2010.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for a skin disability, chronic fatigue, an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and major depressive disorder), a right shoulder disability, and bilateral hip disability have been remanded due to the need for additional development. The VA will conduct a Gulf War examination to assess whether these conditions are related to the Veteran's exposure to environmental hazards during his service in the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations. An addendum opinion is also needed regarding the acquired psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's hearing loss and sleep condition claims. The service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied as it was caused by dishonorable discharge events.

The Veteran's service-connected asthma does not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation due to his disability rating and other service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective July 28, 2015. The rating remains denied for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent prior to that date.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral tinnitus is granted. The Veteran's PTSD claim results in a denial of an increased initial rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, personality disorder, and insomnia, is related to his active duty service. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression are granted as service-connected, with the PTSD being related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity during his Vietnam service. The depression is found to be aggravated by the PTSD.

The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD is denied, and the case is remanded for further development including a TDIU claim and an effective date determination.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to in-service stressors and resolving reasonable doubt in her favor.

The Veteran's benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is rated at 30 percent from October 1, 2013 to May 11, 2018. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from March 21, 2016 to May 11, 2018.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin condition and an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for PTSD are remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a gastrointestinal disorder and PTSD have been granted. The gastrointestinal disorder is found to be related to service, while the PTSD claim is based on a confirmed in-service stressor.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of a left hand disorder and PTSD, as well as an increased rating for his impingement syndrome of the left shoulder. The appeal was also remanded for further action on the TBI residuals claim.