PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration (SSA) records that may be relevant to his disability benefits.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD, to reopen a previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back condition, as well as the claims for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity and left lower extremity. The Veteran's death was caused by his neurological condition, which is presumed to have been related to herbicide exposure in Vietnam.,The Board has also granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression was granted, with a diagnosis of PTSD related to in-service stressors. The rating for the acquired psychiatric disability is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation prior to August 15, 2017.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is remanded. The appeal regarding the increased rating for PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU, and referral for extraschedular consideration is not warranted as his educational and occupational experience have not rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and MDD, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current psychiatric conditions and an in-service stressor. The case is remanded for further evaluation of his bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for migraine headaches, psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), obstructive sleep apnea, and peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is requested to undergo further medical examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, finding that they render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, an earlier effective date for his PTSD rating, and TDIU prior to May 26, 2020. The issues include whether sleep apnea is secondary to a service-connected disability, whether there was obesity due to PTSD, and whether PTSD caused or aggravated the Veteran's weight gain.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, colon cancer, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions began during or are otherwise related to military service.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support a diagnosis of PTSD or any other acquired psychiatric disorder, and thus the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining gainful employment, and therefore a TDIU is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The VA examiner needs to provide a more detailed opinion on whether the Veteran's current mental health conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient consideration of all psychiatric diagnoses in the Veteran's VA treatment records and a lack of service treatment records from his psychiatrist. The RO is instructed to obtain any outstanding private or VA treatment records, including Vet Center records, as well as any missing service treatment records. An addendum opinion should be requested from the December 2017 VA examiner regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder claim.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to issues with his PTSD and TBI residuals. Separate compensable ratings for TBI residuals are denied, but a separate rating for PVD related to the service-connected TBI is requested.

The Veteran's claim for chronic cervicitis, acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and bilateral eye disability is being remanded due to conflicting medical evidence and the need for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to obtain a VA examination based on record review, and for proper Veterans Claims Assistance Act notice.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of right ear hearing loss and post-traumatic stress disorder due to the Veteran's death during the appeal process.