PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's initial ratings for right and left carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) have been granted at 40% and 50%, respectively, effective August 26, 2014.,A total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities has also been granted.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if hypertension is related to service-connected coronary artery disease or PTSD, and whether an initial rating in excess of 30 percent should be granted for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is granted an initial 70 percent evaluation, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on multiple conditions has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected dysthymic disorder and his obstructive sleep apnea, as well as the impact of PTSD on his obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's TBI prior to August 17, 2017 is rated at 10 percent. From August 17, 2017, the combined rating for PTSD and TBI is denied.,The Veteran’s migraine headaches are rated at 30 percent from May 27, 2015 to present. The effective dates for service connection of TBI and posttraumatic headaches have been denied.

The Veteran's acquired mental disability (other trauma and stress related disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder) is rated at 50 percent. The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II as secondary to his acquired mental disability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is granted, effective November 18, 2014. The effective date of the award was fixed in accordance with the facts found and not earlier than the date of receipt of his claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and CAD, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis, is being remanded for further development.,An earlier effective date for the PTSD rating is denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosis prior to February 6, 2015.,Service connection for dental loss is granted due to in-service trauma resulting in loss of substance of maxilla or mandible.,Obstructive sleep apnea is not service connected secondary to the Veteran's service-connected residuals of a fractured jaw.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is denied. The evidence does not show total occupational and social impairment, as the Veteran maintains relationships with family members and has a good relationship with his children.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has been reopened, but the evidence does not support a grant of service connection.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, and headaches have all been remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and whether her service-connected primary insomnia has aggravated any diagnosed psychiatric disorders. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a new examination.

The Veteran's death was caused by service-connected conditions, including PTSD, PAD, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities. The Board granted service connection for these conditions on this basis.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected conditions were denied. The claim for tinnitus was reopened, but not granted as new and material evidence had not been received. Increased evaluations for CAD, diabetic nephropathy with hypertension, and PTSD were also denied.

The reduction in rating for the Veteran's service-connected PTSD from 100 percent to 70 percent was improper, and the 100 percent rating is restored effective May 1, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, as the evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD and establishes a link between current symptoms and in-service traumatic experiences.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the discontinuation of Vocational Rehabilitation and Education (VR&E) services was in error due to lack of cooperation with selecting a feasible vocational goal. The VR&E services have been restored, and a vocational goal of work in legal aid and an educational plan for paralegal training toward this goal are approved.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings and service connection for various conditions, including tinnitus, back disability, bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, and spinal meningitis. The decision also remanded several issues related to these conditions.