PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected PTSD, with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression with psychotic symptoms are currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that these conditions do not warrant a higher rating due to the severity of his symptoms.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including service connection for various disabilities and a rating for lumbar spine disability. The Veteran's claims are pending resolution.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD prior to December 31, 2018, and in excess of 50 percent from that date was dismissed. The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee chondromalacia patella and right knee chondromalacia patella were granted. The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his left ankle strain is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for higher levels of special monthly compensation based on loss of use of both lower extremities or need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted because he has a diagnosed condition and the in-service stressors are conceded.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, diabetes mellitus as secondary to herbicide agent exposure, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to diabetes mellitus due to lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed stressors.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for back, right knee, and left knee disorders have been withdrawn by the Veteran.,Service connection is granted for tinnitus. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran’s tinnitus was related to his military service.

The Veteran's hospital treatment for PTSD from August 23, 2006 to October 3, 2006 was not due to a service-connected disability. Therefore, the temporary total rating based on hospital treatment in excess of 21 days is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected as it is at least as likely as not caused by her in-service stressor events, which are supported by credible supporting evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, but the claims for prostate cancer and thyroid disorder due to herbicide exposure are remanded. The claim for carpal tunnel is also remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted. For ischemic heart disease, a rating of 60% is granted effective October 19, 2017. The Veteran is also granted TDIU effective June 20, 2018.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, is granted service connection. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied as not incurred in or aggravated by service. Erectile dysfunction is granted as secondary to the service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 100% since September 16, 2010. The appeals for initial compensable evaluation of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn them. The appeal for TDIU is also dismissed as moot due to the grant of a 100% rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's SMC claims are remanded for further development and adjudication, including a VA examination to determine the extent of his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to perform daily activities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, and hypertension due to potential secondary relationships with existing conditions or exposure. The Veteran's mental health condition is linked to his coronary artery disease, while his sleep apnea may be related to his psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's death was caused by a vehicular accident, not by his service-connected conditions. Therefore, the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is denied.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including MDD, anxiety, personality disorder, PTSD, and insomnia, is granted as secondary to service-connected TMD with bruxism, BPPV, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, GERD, and tension headaches.

The Veteran's claims for a right wrist disability, left ankle disability, bilateral hearing loss, and an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD) have all been denied. The Board found no current disabilities for these conditions.,Additionally, the Veteran's claim for a sleeping disorder associated with PTSD has also been denied.