PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The appeal for an extra-schedular rating for PTSD is denied. The issues of service connection for acid reflux and right shoulder strain are remanded.

The Board has decided that the case should be returned for further action regarding service connection for sleep apnea and entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher rating for PTSD before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has remanded the claims for an earlier effective date for the awards of a 70 percent rating and TDIU due to incomplete records, including missing service personnel records and private psychiatric treatment records. The Veteran is asked to provide information and authorization for VA to secure these records.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has decided to remand this case for further evaluation due to a possible increase in severity.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder condition, sleep disturbance, gastrointestinal (GI) condition other than GERD, and PTSD have been denied.,No new or material evidence was received to reopen any of the previously denied claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is related to his military service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70 percent disability rating, effective from April 2013. The Board also granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of both appeals: one regarding an earlier effective date for TDIU, and another regarding an earlier effective date for service connection for PTSD on the basis of clear and unmistakable error (CUE).

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is linked to his military service and resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him incapable of maintaining substantially gainful employment, as he has maintained stable work histories and does not have severe impairment from his conditions.

The Veteran's migraines are granted service connection, and the lumbar spine strain with L5-S1 disc protrusion is granted a 40 percent evaluation. The S1 nerve root compression (sciatica/radiculopathy of right lower extremity) remains at 20 percent from September 30, 2014 onwards. PTSD with panic disorder and insomnia is granted a 30 percent initial evaluation prior to January 11, 2011. The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded for further development. Other issues remain pending.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. As a result, the Board cannot take further action on these claims.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorder NOS, depressive disorder NOS, alcohol abuse, and PTSD are granted. The service connection for degenerative joint disease of lumbar spine is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and Psychotic Disorder (psychosis) as there was no credible supporting evidence of the claimed in-service stressors, and the Veteran's current diagnoses were not causally related to his military service.

The Board has recharacterized the Veteran's claim as service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. The case is remanded due to conflicting medical opinions and inconsistent statements by the Veteran regarding his in-service experiences.

The Board has found that the reduction in rating for multiple myeloma from 100% to noncompensable, effective May 1, 2015 was proper. The Veteran's combined disability rating is now at 80%, resulting in a reduction of his compensation benefits.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and depression due to insufficient verification of the Veteran's claimed stressors. The claims will be reconsidered after multiple requests are made to verify these stressors.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for right knee arthritis, PTSD, and depression were denied as new and material evidence was not received to support the claims.

The Veteran's right ankle condition is not caused or aggravated by her service-connected right knee disability.,Obstructive sleep apnea was not incurred in or aggravated by the Veteran’s active duty military service, nor may it be presumed to have been incurred in or aggravated by service.