PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has remanded several service connection issues, including for cervical spine strain, headaches, PTSD, sleep apnea (OSA), and prostate condition (BPH).

The Veteran's requests to reopen their service connection claims for a left shoulder disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) have been granted. The Board found new and material evidence in the form of VA treatment records, lay statements, and private medical opinions that supports the presence of current diagnoses related to these conditions and links them to in-service stressors.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine the nature and etiology of various disabilities, including PTSD, right hand/wrist disability, lumbar spine condition, left knee disability, right knee disability, left foot disability, right foot disability, bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and pseudofolliculitis barbae. The Board has also determined that verification of the Veteran's in-service stressors is needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD. The claim for TDIU has also been denied due to the Veteran's ability to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied because there is no current diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with the DSM criteria.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder and substance use disorders is currently rated at 70 percent prior to April 11, 2016, and from June 1, 2016. The rating agency found that the Veteran’s symptoms did not meet criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied as he does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD under DSM-V.,The Veteran's bilateral patellofemoral syndrome of the knees, left Achilles tendonitis, left elbow olecranon bursitis with spur, and right shoulder impingement with degenerative joint disease are all rated at 10 percent each.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA mental health examination to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disorder had its onset in service or is related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations related to erectile dysfunction and PTSD are inadequate, and thus these claims must be remanded for further evaluations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea secondary to PTSD and for an increased rating for PTSD. The issues are being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between PTSD and sleep apnea, as well as the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of all appeals.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since June 11, 2010. The Board found that the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and social isolation have persisted throughout the appeal period, warranting a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as there is no current disability and no evidence of a stressor during service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent, effective from the date of his claim (July 2009). The rating is based on total occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals, near-continuous panic or depression affecting ability to function independently, appropriate and effectively, and inability to establish and maintain effective relationships.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression and anxiety, due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD evaluation has been reduced from 70 percent to 30 percent effective June 1, 2015. The propriety of this reduction is being reviewed along with the increased rating claim for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and left hand peripheral neuropathy do not render him unemployable as he has maintained employment for 22 years, with his last job due to pneumonia. The Board finds that the medical evidence does not support a finding of TDIU.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case is being remanded for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and further examination is required.