PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) are granted. The left foot disability rating is restored to 20 percent, effective November 1, 2018. A separate 10% rating for plantar fasciitis is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and consideration of certain records, including a private psychological evaluation from April 2008. The issues on appeal are related to PTSD ratings.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, due to insufficient evidence of a mental health diagnosis conforming to DSM-V criteria.

The Board has dismissed all claims for service connection and evaluations related to the veteran's disabilities, as the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to non-compliance with previous directives and because some theories of entitlement need to be addressed. The Veteran's service-connected post-concussive headaches may affect his other psychiatric disorders, but this needs further clarification.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to April 2, 2014.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the Veteran's inability to attend a VA examination. The Veteran is required to undergo another VA examination for his psychiatric disorder claim, including PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is granted, and his claim for service connection for TBI is also granted. The claims for increased ratings for migraine headaches and erectile dysfunction are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's MDD. The claims for PTSD and MDD are being reviewed.

PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since February 24, 2017 and a 50 percent rating prior to that date.,The Veteran is also granted total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from February 24, 2017.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of VA examination, and requests that the Veteran undergo an appropriate VA examination by a contract provider.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and dysthymic disorder, was preexisting and not aggravated by service. The Veteran testified that his mental health condition worsened in service due to an assault and oral surgery.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination and medical opinion regarding the etiology of any currently demonstrated acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's service in mortuary affairs is considered relevant to his claimed stressors.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened, and the Board is remanding all other issues on appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a failure to address the Veteran's allegation that his records were archived on microfiche and could be retrieved. The RO must obtain relevant medical records, including those from August 2000 follow-up treatment and January 2001 medication increase.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other mental health conditions, is related to his service. The decision grants service connection for these disorders.

The Veteran's tinnitus, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction are currently rated based on their severity. The PTSD claim is being remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran’s hypertension has not met the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic code. His erectile dysfunction does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The PTSD claim requires additional evidence to determine if it warrants an increased rating.,Service connection for hepatitis, agoraphobia, and sleep disturbance was denied in previous decisions that were not appealed. Service connection for hearing loss, anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, low back disability, kidney disease, ear disability, and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 are being reopened.,The Veteran's spouse’s need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to occupational impairment, and the Board grants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. A rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with depression is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and lack of specific information regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors. The Veteran must provide more details about his alleged stressors, and a new VA examination is needed to determine if any current acquired psychiatric disorders are related to service.