PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, MDD, and GAD, was not incurred or aggravated by service. However, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, his acquired psychiatric disability, including alcohol use disorder, is considered to be attributable to his active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his death from respiratory failure due to acute pneumonia, with underlying causes of heart failure and atrial fibrillation. The Board found that the evidence supports a finding that PTSD contributed to the cause of death.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and anxiety was granted service connection effective November 2, 2011. A rating of 20 percent for hypertension is also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in total social and occupational impairment, warranting a total disability evaluation for the entire appeal period. The effective date of this decision is March 30, 2012.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is currently rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating.,The Veteran's PTSD and other service-connected conditions combine to preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms from October 5, 2006 to June 12, 2014 were indicative of reduced reliability and productivity but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD claim is granted with an effective date of December 11, 1997. The Veteran's CAD rating from April 2014 to the present is granted at a 60 percent level.,Prior to September 25, 2010, the Veteran's CAD was rated at 30 percent and denied for an increased rating. After September 25, 2010, the Veteran's CAD is now rated at 60 percent effective from that date.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD is granted as he has a current diagnosis of PTSD related to verified in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was denied, and his TDIU claim was also denied as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and coronary artery disease make him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's IBS/ulcerative colitis status post proctocolectomy and ileostomy, as well as his PTSD with MDD, need further examination to determine their relationship to service.

The Veteran's death was due to metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma, which is service-connected. The lung disability is also service-connected as it is a result of the liver cancer.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, particularly PTSD. The case will be returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected lumbar spine tendonitis and PTSD, as well as the claim for a TDIU are being remanded due to inadequate examinations in April 2015 and May 2015. The Board requires new VA examinations to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD due to insufficient evidence from a previous examination conducted under DSM-5, which is not applicable to these cases.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has decided to remand the case for a VA medical examination to determine if the appellant was insane at the time of his discharge due to assault with a dangerous weapon and involuntary manslaughter.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, vestibular/balance disorder (claimed as dizziness), left knee disorder, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy due to outstanding records and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding medical records not being obtained. The Veteran is asked to provide authorization forms for any private treatment records from Lakeland Regional Medical Center and Winter Haven Hospital.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is granted service connection. The rating for migraines remains remanded as a new examination is needed to assess the severity of his headaches. The TDIU issue is also remanded due to its inextricably intertwined relationship with the migraine issue.