PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and the cause of death (sepsis due to bowel perforation) was not a result of VA medical treatment. The Board found that there was no evidence of negligence or fault on the part of VA in providing care.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings and earlier effective dates for her PTSD have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of the appeal by her representative.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD, is granted due to the evidence showing a link between his military service and his current symptoms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sciatica of the bilateral lower extremities, and for increased ratings for PTSD, traumatic arthritis of the lumbar spine; residuals right knee injury; right inguinal hernia; fracture of the left index finger; and tinea versicolor.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, GAD, and depressive disorder NOS due to incomplete information regarding his service dates and potential treatment records. The Veteran is also requested to provide any SSA disability benefits records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a prostate condition has been granted, making the issue moot. The Board has remanded issues related to obstructive sleep apnea, hepatitis C, erectile dysfunction (secondary to prostate cancer), and psychiatric disability other than PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a kidney disorder is dismissed. The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, right knee disability, left hip and ankle disabilities, cervical spine disability, and left upper extremity disability (left arm) due to insufficient evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and prostatitis, finding that there was no credible evidence of an in-service stressor or a personal assault leading to PTSD. The Board also found insufficient medical evidence linking current prostatitis to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, substance abuse, and hepatitis C. The Board found that there was no evidence of a diagnosis of PTSD or any other psychiatric condition related to military service. For substance abuse, the Board determined it resulted from willful misconduct. For hepatitis C, the Board concluded it was due to intravenous drug use rather than in-service exposure.

The Board has remanded the claims of diabetes mellitus, type II; headaches; hypertension; a psychiatric disorder (including PTSD); and sleep apnea due to the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents or toxic chemicals during service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the possibility of unemployability prior to July 10, 2019. The Board refers this matter to the appropriate authority for consideration on an extra-schedular basis.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and adjustment disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD or any other mental health condition related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted. The claims for service connection for sleep apnea and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran is granted service connection for PTSD with an effective date of June 22, 2016. The Board found that the Veteran had symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of PTSD since June 22, 2016.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that this rating adequately reflects his current level of disability.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since July 19, 2016. The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as of that date.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed stressors and a need for an examination to determine the nature and etiology of his PTSD.

The Board has denied service connection for right knee and shoulder disabilities, as well as a skin disability and PTSD. The case is remanded to obtain additional evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD, as the earliest possible effective date allowed by law and regulation is December 6, 2016, which was the date of the last claim to reopen.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for major depressive disorder with anxious distress and PTSD as there was no timely appeal filed.