PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for initial compensable disability ratings and service connection are not fully addressed due to a lack of VA examinations, particularly regarding his skin conditions, foot disabilities, back disability, and psychiatric disorder. The Board is remanding these issues for further development.

The Board previously denied service connection for hypertension, but the Court has ordered a remand due to inadequate medical opinions. The Veteran's hypertension may be related to his PTSD.

The Veteran's VA treatment records from the period on appeal are not fully available, and a remand is required to obtain these records in order to determine if he was entitled to a 100 percent rating prior to September 29, 2016.

The Board dismissed all appeals regarding the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, as he withdrew his appeals in May 2016. The Veteran was granted a TDIU from July 26, 2012.

The Veteran's right elbow scar and PTSD have been rated, but the ratings are denied. The right elbow scar is not compensable, while the PTSD rating remains at 50 percent.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the issues related to PTSD, varicose veins, and ischemic heart disease. The Board dismissed these appeals as withdrawn.

The Veteran's PTSD with cannabis, opioid, stimulant, and alcohol use disorder is rated at a 70 percent disability rating.,An effective date of May 28, 2013 for the grant of a 70 percent disability rating for service-connected PTSD with cannabis, opioid, stimulate, and alcohol use disorder is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has caused significant occupational and social impairment, leading to a 70% rating for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but not higher. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms such as obsessional rituals that interfere with routine activities and near continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently.

The Veteran's claim to reopen service connection for a left knee disability has been granted. An initial increased rating of 40 percent for the lumbar spine disability is granted effective January 27, 2016. For the period prior to May 12, 2015, an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for the left ankle disability is denied. A 10 percent disability rating for the left ankle disability is granted beginning May 12, 2015. An increased rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to May 15, 2017, and in excess of 70 percent from May 15, 2017, is denied. For the period prior to May 15, 2017, entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle, back, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), asthma, cholecystitis, and Parkinson’s disease have all been denied.,No new or material evidence was received to reopen any of the previously denied claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is dismissed, and his appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for his acquired psychiatric disorder (which includes PTSD) is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial 70 percent rating, effective from November 9, 2010. Additionally, the Veteran was awarded TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities preventing him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, as the Veteran did not have a diagnosis of PTSD linked to a verified military stressor and no examiner has linked a psychiatric diagnosis to his service.

The Veteran's application for a clothing allowance for his left knee brace was denied because the evidence did not document continued use of the device, including no sign of recent maintenance or replacement.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for joint pain, migraine headaches, PTSD, and left ear hearing loss due to additional development being required.

Service connection is granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder.,Service connection is granted for a headache disorder.,Service connection is granted for tinnitus.

The Veteran's back condition is granted as service connected.,Hypertension, claimed as high blood pressure, is denied as not related to service.