PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and a sleep disorder. The examiner is asked to provide an opinion on whether these conditions are related to his active duty service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The VA will obtain additional records and provide a new opinion on this issue.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has found that this rating is appropriate. The Veteran's major depressive disorder was not service connected as secondary to his PTSD. The case is remanded for further development regarding these issues.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a gunshot wound to the abdomen and an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD and depression) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, PTSD, and sleep apnea due to incomplete or insufficient medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with panic attacks and major depressive disorder due to military sexual trauma, but the issue of service connection for alcohol abuse as secondary to this condition is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and Depression, finding that there was no clear and unmistakable evidence of a preexisting condition and concluding that his current psychiatric disorders did not clearly and unmistakably preexist his military service. The Board also found insufficient evidence to establish a direct link between his in-service experiences and his current conditions.

Service connection granted for PTSD and denied for other conditions. The case is remanded for further examination regarding right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and a cardiovascular disorder.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction, right shoulder disability, and dry eye syndrome with pinguecula and punctate keratitis are granted service connection. The Veteran is also awarded an initial rating of 20 percent for his dry eye condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as her combined disability rating is only 60 percent, which does not meet the required percentage standards set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a).

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the in-service stressor event for PTSD and depression, as well as a need for further examination to address the relationship between service-connected disabilities and psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed stressor and a need for further examination to clarify his diagnosis.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered her unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The case is remanded for further development regarding the rating of his lumbar spine disability and TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been remanded due to inadequate VA examination reports. The Veteran needs new examinations to assess the nature, onset, and etiology of his right shoulder rotator cuff syndrome, thoracolumbar degenerative disease with scoliosis, and PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD has been denied. The evidence shows that the Veteran currently experiences symptoms consistent with a 50 percent disability rating, but does not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, lower back disability, cervical spine disability, and arthritis have been granted service connection. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction secondary to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder has also been granted service connection. However, the Veteran's yeast infection secondary to CPAP therapy for sleep apnea remains pending.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding no evidence of a current disability related to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss, finding that there is insufficient evidence to establish a stressor related to Vietnam or fear of hostile military activity. The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was also denied due to no showing of exceptional patterns of hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, IBS, and right knee pain, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since December 28, 2009. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.