PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The appeal for service connection for urethral stricture is dismissed. The appeals for PTSD, osteoarthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, alcoholism, chemical dependence, and insomnia are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol dependency is rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran was granted a temporary total disability rating based on hospitalization due to his service-connected PTSD from February 5, 2013 to March 31, 2013.,Service connection for residuals of a gunshot wound to the right foot is denied as there is no evidence of record supporting this claim.,The Veteran's claim for residuals of a gunshot wound to the buttocks requires further medical examination or opinion due to insufficient competent medical evidence on file.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded and will require additional development, including consideration of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and for a compensable rating for his service-connected skin disability due to insufficient development of evidence.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various conditions, including heart condition, prostate issues, skin condition/open sores on head, Alzheimer's disease with atypical motor neuron disease, PTSD, and anxiety. The remand requests additional examinations and opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence for service connection of PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The Veteran's testimony indicates a potential medical nexus between in-service experiences and current symptoms, but further examination is needed.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, and PTSD. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence and a need for further consideration of the Veteran's claim, including obtaining records from his reported hospitalization during service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the secondary service connection for hypertension, PTSD, and IHD. The Veteran's representative provided a reference to NIH studies linking PTSD and hypertension, which must be considered in the examination.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for PTSD or other mental illness, including dysthymic/depressive disorder due to inadequate February 2014 VA examination and medical opinion. The Veteran is required to be provided a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from April 30, 2009 to August 9, 2009.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was documented at the time of his initial enlistment, and there is no evidence indicating that it underwent an aggravation during service. The Board finds that the condition has not been permanently aggravated beyond its natural progression by his service.,Service connection for a low back disorder is remanded due to the need for clarification on whether the in-service complaint had been considered.,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was diagnosed at least several years earlier than during service, and this matter must be remanded for an addendum opinion clarifying that the complete factual record has been considered.,Service connection for a sinus disorder is remanded due to the need for clarification on whether the Veteran had such a condition during the appeal period that resolved prior to the more recent examinations.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis was not diagnosed at the time of the VA examination, and this matter must be remanded for an addendum opinion clarifying whether he had such a condition during the appeal period.,Service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome is remanded due to the need for clarification on whether the Veteran's condition is proximately due or aggravated by his service-connected left wrist disability.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, must be remanded due to the need for an appropriate records search and examination regarding a verified in-service stressor.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of a claimed in-service stressor and the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's previously denied claims for PTSD and MDD are reopened, but the Board finds that a remand is necessary to obtain medical opinions regarding whether these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder was denied, as were his claims for an earlier effective date. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to the Veteran's symptoms being within the range considered by the current 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, tinnitus, left knee impairment, and right knee impairment is granted. The claims for left and right knee impairments are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, the lowest available rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The Board found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are consistent with the current 30 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD rating is remanded for a new VA examination, and his TDIU claim is also remanded due to inextricably intertwined issues. Additional development including obtaining SSA records and short-term disability benefits records is required.

The Veteran's tinnitus and migraines have been granted service connection.,Service connection for migraines has also been granted. The Board found that the Veteran had a current disability of migraines that started in service.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient analysis of the Veteran's suicidal ideations and other symptoms related to PTSD. The claims are being returned for further evaluation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability rating for service-connected PTSD, finding that the evidence does not support a finding of permanent and total impairment.