PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, and for compensable evaluations for his right index finger disability and tinea pedis are being remanded due to the need for further development of evidence related to the stressors claimed for PTSD.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service-connected. The Board has remanded several other issues for further development and consideration.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and referring the matter to the Director of Compensation Service for consideration of an extraschedular TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b).

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, Anxiety disorder, and Depressive disorder as there is no evidence of a diagnosis in accordance with DSM-5 or a causal link to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, TBI residuals, and PTSD due to a lack of VA examinations. The cases are now pending further development.

The Veteran's PTSD and migraine headaches are being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated military personnel records to verify service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations. A Gulf War examination is also needed if service in this area is confirmed.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since August 13, 2018.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and for a TDIU. The claim for a compensable rating for migraine headaches is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD is denied. The Board has also remanded issues regarding a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating from October 11, 2017 to the present. The appeal for higher ratings is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right knee, right heel, and acquired psychiatric disabilities. The VA must obtain addendum opinions addressing these issues.

The Board has dismissed all the claims on appeal, including service connection for various disabilities and increased ratings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and for a scars evaluation. The AOJ must obtain additional evidence, conduct examinations, and ensure proper notice is provided to the Veteran.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus were not related to service, as there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure or continuity of symptoms.,PTSD was denied due to lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed stressors. Sleep apnea was denied because there is no evidence of a current disability that began during service.,Low back disorder and right-sided sciatica were not related to service, as there are no records indicating an in-service injury or chronic symptoms after separation.,Right ankle disorder was also not related to service, with the absence of any documented injuries or relevant symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with alcohol use disorder has been denied.,The Board has remanded the Veteran’s hypertension claim and his claims for effective dates earlier than August 14, 2016 for TDIU and DEA.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD due to new and material evidence. However, the case is remanded as an opinion on whether the PTSD is related to a head injury in service needs to be obtained.

The Veteran's PTSD evaluation is remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, while his claim for service connection for dysthymic disorder is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, claimed as symptoms of fatigue and sleep impairment, is denied. The Board finds that there is no current diagnosis of the disorder.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Bipolar Disorder, is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions considering newly received VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder, was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board found that his current diagnoses (PTSD and unspecified anxiety disorder) are related to his military service, particularly his experiences during the Tet Offensive in Vietnam. As a result, the Veteran's claim for service connection is granted.