PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, secondary to military sexual trauma is granted. The Board also finds that the Veteran's left shoulder condition may be related to her in-service injury and grants this claim as well.

The Veteran's PTSD with a history of alcohol use disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 50 percent.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, skin disorder, PTSD, and acquired psychiatric disorder are all denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities meeting the criteria for service connection on a direct basis.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected because it is related to his combat stressors experienced during his service in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with heroin abuse in full remission and depressive disorder not otherwise specified is granted a 100 percent rating, representing total social and occupational impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder is rated at 70 percent effective January 19, 2016. Service connection for COPD has been remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of records.,Further examination is required to determine if the Veteran has a current psychiatric disorder, TBI, headache disorder, vision disorder, or hypertension that is related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination and consideration of alternative forms of evidence, including lay statements from family members or fellow service-members.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is at least as likely as not related to his service. Service connection was denied for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and sleep apnea. The claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and OSA as secondary to PTSD due to insufficient evidence of a verified in-service stressor. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting diagnoses and lack of verification for a reported in-service stressor. A new VA examination is needed to determine if any current psychiatric diagnosis, including PTSD or anxiety, is related to service.

The Board denied the petitions to reopen claims for service connection for bilateral tinnitus and PTSD, finding that new and material evidence had not been received.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as he has established a diagnosis of PTSD and a link between his current symptoms and in-service stressors.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional development, including obtaining authorization and records from a private provider of psychiatric treatment.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which reflects occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.,The Veteran’s migraine and tension headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, reflecting prostrating attacks occurring several times per month.

The Veteran's appeals seeking higher ratings and earlier effective dates for his PTSD have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 100 percent for the entire appeal period, resulting in the mootness of his claim for TDIU. The Board found that the Veteran demonstrated total occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as gross impairment in thought processes or communication, persistent delusions or hallucinations, danger of hurting self or others, intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living (including maintenance of minimal hygiene), disorientation to time or place, and memory loss for names of close relatives, occupation, or own name.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, tinnitus, and hearing loss) do not render him unemployable due to his inability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing records and additional medical evidence is needed. The issues of left shoulder, low back, and left knee disabilities are related to National Guard duty time which needs to be verified. The psychiatric disorder claim requires additional treatment records and a VA examination. Sleep apnea and hypertension are inextricably intertwined with the psychiatric disorder claim.