PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of PTSD. The Board granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, finding that it is related to a service-connected psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The claim for PTSD was reopened and granted, while the claim for a skin rash of the left foot was denied.

The Veteran's appeals for a higher disability rating and an earlier effective date for PTSD have been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of these claims.

The appeal of the issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim for service connection for schizophrenia is dismissed. The effective date earlier than December 8, 2015 for the award of service connection for PTSD is remanded. An initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to August 29, 2016 and an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD from August 29, 2016 are also remanded. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms are found to be related to his service-connected adjustment disorder with depressed mood. Service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and TDIU due to PTSD. The earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for PTSD, hearing loss, and tinnitus have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA examination and procurement of relevant treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any mental health disorder, including PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of PTSD is denied as the evidence does not show total social impairment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as his request for an increased evaluation of PTSD and entitlement to TDIU, have all been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of current hearing loss or tinnitus disabilities during the appeal period, and that the Veteran’s PTSD does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU and an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for PTSD. The Court affirmed the evaluations but remanded the TDIU decision, requiring the Board to discuss whether the Veteran was limited to marginal employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD and Depression, including a lack of corroborated in-service stressors. The Veteran will need to undergo a VA examination with a psychiatrist or psychologist to determine if she meets the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's cause of death was not related to his time in service or to Agent Orange exposure. Service connection for the cause of death is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is denied as there is no evidence showing that it was incurred in or aggravated by service.,Service connection for PTSD is granted based on credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor, despite conflicting medical opinions regarding current diagnosis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertriglyceridemia is denied as it does not constitute a disability for VA compensation purposes.,The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to April 26, 2011, for service connection for PTSD and tinnitus are denied due to lack of communication indicating intent to file a claim prior to the date of receipt of his formal claims forms.,The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is remanded as additional VA examination records are needed.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of right tibia fracture and low back disability is remanded due to missing service treatment records and the need for a more detailed etiological opinion.,No effective date prior to April 26, 2011, was granted as no communication indicating intent to file a claim prior to that date was received.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are rated at 100 percent combined, and the Board finds that these conditions reasonably preclude his participation in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD was restored to a 70% disability rating effective June 1, 2015. The RO reduced the Veteran’s PTSD rating from 70% to 30%, but this reduction was improper and has been restored.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his active service, with the presumption of exposure to noise in the Gulf War.,The Veteran's testicular cancer is presumed due to herbicide agent exposure during service.,PTSD was established based on an in-service stressor, and GERD is considered secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder prior to October 26, 2016, is denied. The claim of entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder beginning on October 26, 2016, is also denied.