PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for erectile dysfunction and PTSD due to unclear diagnoses and lack of nexus opinions. A new VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran has a current diagnosis of erectile dysfunction, whether it is related to service or diabetes mellitus, and whether any acquired psychiatric disorder is related to his combat exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder are rated at 70 percent, effective from May 21, 2009. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as they are likely related to acoustic trauma during service.,The Veteran's left shoulder, cervical spine, lumbar spine, and PTSD disorders are remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for further examination and opinion regarding service connection, as the March 2019 VA examination is inadequate.

The Board has expanded the issue to include any acquired psychiatric disorder, as treatment records indicate the Veteran has diagnoses of other psychiatric disorders. The appeal is remanded due to issues with address verification and the need for additional information from the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial evaluation of 70 percent, effective April 22, 2013. The TDIU claim was denied as the service-connected disabilities do not preclude the Veteran from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that his symptoms are at least as likely as not related to his in-service stressors and resolving any reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neuropathy of the bilateral feet and an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD, depressive disorder and anxiety disorder) due to incomplete opinions regarding service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for Major Depressive Disorder and PTSD due to a lack of review of relevant Service Personnel Records (SPRs) and Service Treatment Records (STRs). The Veteran is seeking service connection based on his in-service court martial, which he contends caused MST.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities are related to his military service. The VA is required to obtain a medical opinion addressing the nature and etiology of any current chronic psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, and OCD.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to outstanding private treatment records and the need to corroborate an in-service stressor. The Veteran's psychiatric, PVD of the LLE/RLE, and respiratory disorders are also being reviewed.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of July 7, 2009 for the grant of service connection for PTSD, with other specified personality disorder and polysubstance abuse in sustained remission.

The Veteran's PTSD with persistent depressive disorder is being remanded for further evaluation and a hearing. The TDIU issue is also being remanded.

The Board has restored a 100% disability rating for PTSD, as the reduction from 100% to 70% was improper due to procedural errors.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, alone or the combined effects of all service-connected conditions, do not render him unemployable for the period prior to March 31, 2017. The Board finds that TDIU is not warranted in this case.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a rating of 50 percent for the period from May 5, 2011 to March 7, 2013 and at a rating of 70 percent for the period from March 7, 2013 to April 16, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 70 percent for PTSD has been denied. The claims of service connection for a left shoulder disability and sleep apnea, both secondary to PTSD, have been remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a respiratory disorder due to asbestos exposure is denied as there is no evidence of current respiratory disability.,Service connection is granted for left ear hearing loss, with the condition being presumed under the provisions of the PACT Act (Patient Care and Treatment Act).,The Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and major depressive disorder) are remanded as they may be related to service. The claim for alcohol dependence secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder is also remanded.,Service connection is remanded for rheumatoid arthritis, with the issue being remanded due to conflicting medical opinions regarding its onset during active duty or post-service.,The Veteran's right shoulder disorder claim is remanded as it may be related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at a 70 percent evaluation since April 17, 2007, reflecting severe symptomatology and occupational/social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent rating effective December 5, 2018. This decision grants the higher rating for PTSD.