PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's PTSD and erectile dysfunction are granted service connection. The left hip disability is granted at a 10 percent rating prior to May 27, 2016, and denied for ratings in excess of 50 percent beginning July 1, 2017.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors and the etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorders. The RO must attempt to verify the Veteran's reported stressors and obtain a VA medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error and the need to adjudicate both the CUE claim of the July 1970 rating decision and the earlier effective date issue. The missing February 25, 1970, claim for service connection for nervousness must be associated with the claims file.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for colon cancer is denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service event that would support the claim.,Service connection for PTSD is also denied due to lack of credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor. The Veteran's psychiatric disability other than PTSD, specifically persistent depressive disorder, is remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability other than PTSD (specifically persistent depressive disorder) is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to July 10, 2015 was rated at 50 percent and is denied a higher rating.,The Veteran's PTSD from July 10, 2015 onwards is rated at 70 percent and is denied a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal seeking to reopen a previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a back condition, and his appeals for service connection for a cervical spine disability, increased ratings for PFB and right hand disability have been dismissed.,Service connection for hypertension has been granted.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder and alcohol dependence is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, effective August 6, 2015. The appeal for higher initial ratings on other issues remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, allergies including rhinitis, and a disability manifested by dizziness and/or loss of balance are remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, depression, and a nervous twitch has been reopened. The Board has also expanded the claim to include consideration of any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case is remanded for additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of her diagnosed conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders. The Veteran's claims will be reviewed with a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on his service-connected right ankle fracture and right hip arthropathy are being remanded due to the need for additional examination. The claim for a higher rating for PTSD remains pending.,No effective date is assigned as the appeal does not involve an issue of service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) as they are rated at 60 percent combined, which is below the threshold of 70 percent required by VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether PTSD caused or contributed to the Veteran's weight gain and obesity, which in turn may have led to obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by PTSD, which is service-connected based on direct evidence. The decision grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection was denied. The initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, is denied. An initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for coronary artery disease prior to August 5, 2019 is also denied. A TDIU from August 5, 2019 is granted, subject to the laws and regulations governing the payment of VA benefits. The appeal for service connection for a prostate disability was withdrawn.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of recent VA treatment records and uncompleted VA examinations. The Veteran is requested to provide updated contact information so that he can be scheduled for additional medical evaluations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's sleep apnea and his military service, as well as whether it is related to or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD or restrictive lung disease. The Veteran will need to undergo a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder. The TDIU issue is also remanded due to its inextricably intertwined relationship with the service connection claim.

The Board has remanded two issues: service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (previously claimed as PTSD) and service connection for sciatica of the bilateral lower extremities. The Veteran is to be provided with VA examinations to clarify his diagnoses and determine their etiology.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD with alcohol use disorder is denied, and his claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is also denied.