PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the need for updated VA examination and the presence of outstanding private treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for a current diagnosis of PTSD related to his combat service in Vietnam, and therefore grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions, including vertigo and skin issues. The appeals for PTSD, heart condition, and skin condition are also remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, panic disorder, and unspecified anxiety disorder, were not present during service or as a result of active military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus) render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment. His TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, left biceps injury, left lateral knee instability, and left knee degenerative joint disease, render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation. As such, TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to June 4, 2016 was denied. The issue of entitlement to TDIU from June 4, 2016 is moot as the Veteran now has a 100% rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for right hand condition, bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and PTSD were granted. The petitions to reopen the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied.,Service connection was denied for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to lack of evidence.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. Service connection was not granted, as the Veteran did not meet the criteria for hearing loss in his right ear. Increased ratings for left ear hearing loss and PTSD were also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder (NOS) with possible psychiatric features, and substance use disorder. The evidence did not support a diagnosis of these conditions or their relationship to service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70% rating, effective from the date of his claim. He is also granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis and a link to in-service stressors. The Board finds that the Veteran does suffer from PTSD related to stressors experienced during his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral tinnitus is granted. The claims for service connection for a lumbar back disability and post-traumatic stress disorder are denied.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is denied. The effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD remains November 28, 2008.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neurobehavioral effects and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The Veteran will need to undergo VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed conditions, including whether they are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for penile discharge and an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is denied. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of penile discharge, and his PTSD symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 100% rating.

The Veteran's initial rating for degenerative arthritis, left knee with limitation of flexion is denied. The Veteran's PTSD ratings are also denied.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and TBI as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions, and the evidence does not support a link between any in-service injuries and the current disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for hypertension, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the left and right legs and feet, and meralgia paresthetica have been dismissed. The appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, depression, anxiety) has been remanded.