PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for neck and left shoulder disabilities have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The claim for increased evaluation for PTSD has been granted.,Service connection for PTSD remains at a 70 percent rating throughout the appeal period, with no higher.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum rating under the applicable VA Rating Schedule.,Service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD has been granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a TDIU prior to May 6, 2021.

The Board has decided that the veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, as secondary to PTSD or diabetes mellitus, needs further development and is therefore remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD is denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 100 percent disability rating. The Veteran's claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is granted, effective March 18, 2014.

The Veteran's service connection claims for cystic kidney disease, eye condition (keratoconjunctivitis), sleep apnea, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) have all been denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support a causal link between these conditions and active service.,The Veteran's testimony regarding his experiences in service was considered, but the VA examiners noted inconsistencies and lack of consistency in the Veteran’s statements.

The Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for PTSD was granted. His request for service connection for stomach disorder, to include hernia, remains denied.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating of 50 percent for PTSD prior to May 11, 2020 has been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing their appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, which corresponds to a reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as flattened affect, anxiety, chronic sleep impairment, and difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded for further development.,The Veteran's tinnitus is remanded for further development.,The Veteran's respiratory disability (asthma, bronchitis, bronchospastic disease) is remanded due to potential exposure at Camp Lejeune. The psychiatric disability (PTSD, depression NOS, depressive disorder unspecified, anxiety NOS) is also remanded for a VA examination and opinion regarding service connection.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is remanded for a VA examination and opinion regarding service connection.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was granted with a 100% rating effective December 20, 1993. However, an earlier effective date is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and dysthymic disorder, finding that there was no in-service event or injury related to these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms are manifested by depression, anxiety, and past suicidal thoughts. The Board has determined that a 70 percent evaluation is warranted for the Veteran's PTSD.,Service connection for tinnitus is granted as the evidence is in equipoise with respect to whether it was caused by military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development and need for additional medical opinions. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder NOS, and adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression, is being reviewed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment since October 9, 2017.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder were initially granted, but the initial rating of 50% was denied prior to June 7, 2016. From June 7, 2016, a 70% rating for PTSD and major depressive disorder is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew their appeal in December 2020.

The Board has found that additional development is necessary to ensure a complete record for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA Vet Center records and updating his VA treatment records. The issues of rating PTSD with depressive disorder and opioid use disorder in early, full remission, rating TBI residuals, rating asthma, and entitlement to TDIU are all being remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated at a 30 percent rating, effective prior to May 29, 2012. The VA has granted an initial disability evaluation of 40 percent for cervical-spine disorder effective prior to September 18, 2012.,For the period from September 18, 2012 onwards, the Veteran's cervical spine condition is rated at a 20 percent rating. The VA has denied an increased disability evaluation in excess of this rating for his cervical-spine disorder.,The Veteran's left elbow disorder (epicondylitis) and left-elbow scar are both currently evaluated at a 10 percent rating, effective prior to September 18, 2012. The VA has denied entitlement to higher initial disability evaluations for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability, hypertension, and/or PTSD.