PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate examination and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse disorder results in occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, but not severe impairment. The Board finds that the current rating of 30 percent is appropriate.

The Veteran's PTSD and alcohol use disorder are currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating for these conditions. The appeal is denied as there is no evidence of more severe impairment warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms caused significant occupational and social impairment, leading to a grant of an initial rating of 70 percent since February 3, 2010.

The Board has found sufficient evidence to corroborate the Veteran's assertions of sexual assault in service. However, there is no current opinion regarding the relationship between this experience and her current mental health disabilities. A VA examination is necessary on remand.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for PTSD and a right knee condition were granted. The claim for lung cancer was denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service, including exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder are rated at 30% prior to October 25, 2016, but a 70% rating is granted from that date. The Veteran's myocardial infarction (claimed as ischemic heart disease due to exposure to Agent Orange) is currently rated at 60%. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability is granted.,The Veteran meets the minimum requirements for a TDIU, with combined service-connected disabilities of 70% from August 1, 2013.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining missing documents and private treatment records. The Veteran is also asked to submit any additional medical evidence related to his sleep apnea disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of evidence regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive symptoms and secondary alcohol use disorder in remission is rated at 70 percent prior to January 25, 2017. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted.,The Veteran's request for a higher rating for his right arm fracture, right radius and ulna status post carpal tunnel release is denied. The maximum schedular rating of 10 percent has been awarded.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for ischemic heart disease prior to February 5, 2016 was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.,A higher disability rating of 30 percent was granted for ischemic heart disease from February 5, 2016. However, this decision is also being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70% disability rating from June 8, 2005 to June 4, 2006.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include post-traumatic stress disorder, was denied. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board denied an increased rating as his symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no evidence that he filed a claim within one year of his discharge, and thus July 18, 2012, is the earliest date of a pending claim.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are being remanded for further evaluation due to the inadequacy of the January 2016 VA examination and the need for updated treatment records.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) are remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board found it does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's left index finger disability is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and alcohol abuse is granted. The Board also found that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD related to his service in the Gulf War.