PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of current hearing loss.,The Veteran's tinnitus has been assigned a maximum schedular rating of 10 percent, which is the highest available under Diagnostic Code 6260. The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for tinnitus must be denied.,The effective date for the grant of service connection for tinnitus was determined to be January 7, 2016, and earlier dates are not warranted.,The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 70 percent disabling. The Board finds that a higher evaluation is warranted based on additional evidence received since the last rating decision.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, and peripheral neuropathy, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU based on the evidence showing his disabilities impact his ability to work in physical occupations.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral upper extremity nerve disorder and PTSD, finding that there is at least as likely as not that these conditions are related to her military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of the Veteran's claimed PTSD stressors and the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to September 13, 2018 and 100 percent from that date. The Veteran also received a TDIU rating effective August 6, 2016 until September 12, 2018.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD resulted in occupational and social impairment, but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. A TDIU was granted as of April 10, 2018.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating prior to January 30, 2009 is being remanded due to the failure of VA to analyze the credibility and probative value of all potentially material evidence, including a March 2006 VA examination report reference to occasional suicidal thoughts by the Veteran. The Court has ordered that this matter be remanded for further action.

The Board has restored the Veteran's previous 50 percent rating for PTSD, finding that there was no material improvement in his condition to warrant a reduction. The claim for an earlier effective date for the reduction is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in total occupational and social impairment since June 6, 2009.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD in partial remission, is rated at 10 percent and the appeal for an increased rating has been denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70 percent rating throughout the appeal period, with symptoms including suicidal ideation and occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD disability was evaluated as 50 percent disabling prior to July 26, 2016. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that the Veteran was unemployable due solely to his service-connected PTSD prior to July 26, 2016.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder with alcohol use disorder is rated at 100 percent, resulting in total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and a mental health disorder, is being remanded due to the VA not processing the Veteran's request to participate in RAMP.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability, including as due to a service-connected left knee disability; right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome; and an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD (depression).

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the submission of new and material evidence. The issues include colon cancer, acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression, anxiety, and PTSD), cysts in or on kidneys, and recurring rash.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, which may relate his current psychiatric conditions to his service. The claims for schizophrenia and PTSD are being reopened.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left shoulder disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims based on the lack of in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in symptoms causing occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, although generally functioning satisfactorily.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not rise to the level of a disability picture requiring the aid and attendance of another person, as he is capable of taking care of himself.