PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in medical opinions and new evidence submitted by the Veteran regarding his claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) related to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 100% evaluation from October 4, 2017 to January 30, 2018.,An effective date of October 4, 2017 for the increased evaluation of PTSD is granted.

The Board has decided to remand two issues: one regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, and another regarding reopening of a previously denied claim for degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine with bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy. The appeal is remanded due to new evidence being added since the last decisions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for PTSD or an unspecified trauma/stressor related disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, the maximum rating available. The appeal for bilateral hearing loss was denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the onset and relationship of the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities to service. The claim will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeals seeking higher ratings for PTSD have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of the appeal by the Veteran.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to January 11, 2015 due to insufficient medical opinions addressing secondary service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to January 4, 2020. The appeal for a higher rating or TDIU beyond this date was denied.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, erectile dysfunction, and a skin disorder. The Board finds that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for these conditions due to lack of in-service or post-service medical records indicating such disorders.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical examination and the need for additional VA treatment records. The Veteran's current psychiatric conditions, including PTSD, depression, and adjustment disorder, are being evaluated.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent and not higher.,Service connection for CFS has been reopened but the claim remains denied.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy has been reopened but the claim remains denied.,Service connection for a bilateral hip condition was previously denied, with no new evidence provided to reopen it.,Service connection for sleep apnea secondary to PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to October 9, 2013. The Board denied the claim for TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's initial evaluation of 70 percent for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder prior to April 12, 2018 is granted. An evaluation in excess of 70 percent from April 12, 2018 is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression and an increased rating for PTSD and anxiety are being remanded due to the overlap in symptoms and need for a new examination.

The Veteran's child was added as a dependent to his VA disability compensation award on July 26, 2016. The appeal for an earlier effective date is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent for the entire appeal period, and he has additional service-connected disabilities independently rated at 60 percent or more. Therefore, he is eligible for higher levels of SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(p) and basic eligibility for DEA.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a new VA examination and updated VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim of an earlier effective date is not currently on appeal.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal seeking a rating higher than 50 percent for PTSD.