PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) based on new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The claims were previously denied due to lack of current disabilities, but with the submission of new evidence, the claims are now reopened and granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded.,His PTSD has been rated at 50% since October 19, 2010.

The Veteran's initial PTSD rating remains at 30 percent prior to September 9, 2010. From September 9, 2010 to June 13, 2012, the Veteran is entitled to a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD. The effective date of this increased rating has not been determined yet.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is allowed, and the appeal is granted to that extent only. The case is remanded for further action.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for PTSD and a psychiatric disorder other than anxiety and PTSD, so these issues are dismissed.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining an adequate psychiatric VA examination and/or medical opinion to address whether the Veteran has PTSD under DSM-IV and if it was caused by service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if his sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, and headache disorder have been reopened. The claim for PTSD has been denied, while the others are granted.,New evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims of service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and a headache disorder.

The Board has denied service connection for a low back disability due to the lack of evidence of a current diagnosis. The cases of bilateral foot and hip disabilities, as well as PTSD, are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected toxic inhalational lung disease, with cicatricial bronchiolitis, vocal cord dysfunction, and sleep apnea has resulted in his loss of use of both lower extremities. The Board granted a higher rate of SMC at the R-1 level under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(1) based on the Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance or a higher level of care.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and Persistent Depressive Disorder). The claim for bilateral hearing loss remains denied.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD was granted an increased rating of 70 percent prior to November 26, 2012. The claim for TDIU prior to that date is also granted.

The Veteran has withdrawn their appeals for higher initial disability ratings for PTSD and service connection for peripheral vascular disease of the bilateral lower extremities.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for status post gastrectomy and dumping syndrome, as well as the effective date for PTSD service connection, are granted. The initial disability rating for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, migraine headaches (secondary to traumatic brain injury), status-post fracture of the right thumb, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for his left-thigh hematoma was denied, and the appeal is remanded.,Service connection for PTSD is also remanded.

The Board has determined that the current evidence is insufficient to adjudicate the appellant's claim for service connection due to a lack of verification of her periods of active duty, ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA. The case is being remanded to obtain these records.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depressive disorder and anxiety, is granted service connection. Service connection for PTSD is denied. The rating for restrictive lung disease remains at 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for left carpal tunnel syndrome but denied service connection for PTSD. The case is remanded for further examination and/or medical opinion regarding the Veteran's PTSD claim.