PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, OSA, cervical spine degenerative joint disease with radiculopathy, left ribs contusion, right elbow strain, bilateral hand strain and degenerative arthritis (other than posttraumatic) of the bilateral hands, and low back degenerative disc disease have been granted.

The appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a cholecystectomy has been dismissed. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep apnea, PTSD due to MST, residuals of a broken nose, and allergic rhinitis (claimed as sinusitis) to allow for further development.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is rated at 50 percent, effective May 23, 2014. The VA Board found that the disability picture more nearly approximates occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. His TDIU claim is granted effective July 18, 2014. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance due to his non-service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's depression has been granted a rating of 70 percent effective August 20, 2011. A higher rating for her depression is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED for further development, including a new VA examination for his acquired skin condition and completion of the VA Form 21-8940 to determine employment history.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, finding that there was no verified in-service stressor and no current diagnosis of a mental disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. However, his application for service connection remains pending as further development is needed regarding SSA records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, persistent depressive disorder, alcohol use disorder, and bipolar disorder per history, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his private medical records.

The Board has decided that the claim for service connection for OSA due to PTSD needs further development and a remand is ordered.

The Board denied service connection for a brain injury, finding that the Veteran's claim is not supported by evidence of in-service injury or aggravation. The appeal was also denied for SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status due to multiple disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed right shoulder injury, which may be related to service.

The Veteran's claims for MDD, PTSD, and a right eye disorder have been granted. The claim for a spine disorder is remanded due to the need for an examination. Other service connection claims are also remanded.

The Board has remanded two issues: service connection for PTSD and the initial rating for adjustment reaction with unspecified sleep-wake disorder associated with throat cancer. The Veteran's claims will need to be further evaluated, including obtaining VA treatment records from 2018/2019 and a medical addendum opinion regarding PTSD.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals, including this one, prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant requested to withdraw their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and increased ratings for radiculopathy of the bilateral upper extremities. Service connection is granted for a low back disorder (lumbar strain) and scars of the neck.

The Board dismissed the appeal of nonservice-connected pension benefits and remanded the issue of an initial higher rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for fibromyalgia was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew their claim.,Service connection for PTSD was granted, with the Board finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to in-service exposure to SCUD missile attacks and witnessing the aftermath of such attacks.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the grant of TDIU. The issue of an increased evaluation for PTSD is also REMANDED.