PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted. Service connection for a respiratory condition and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury with memory loss is denied as he does not have such residuals. The claims for PTSD, right shoulder disability, bilateral knee disability, thoracic spine scoliosis (claimed as trauma to the spine), and left ear hearing loss are all remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, TBI, depression, alcohol dependence, and a skin disorder were denied. The effective dates for these decisions are August 13, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD. However, the rating for PTSD remains remanded due to inadequate examination and the need for a new one. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of PTSD and his claim for TDIU are both remanded due to the need for updated medical records and a new examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 50 percent for dysthymic disorder and for a TDIU rating due to his service-connected psychiatric disability. The decision is based on the need for updated VA treatment records, another examination by a psychiatrist or psychologist, and proper VCAA notice.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and tinnitus, is rated at 70 percent. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is rated at a 100 percent rating prior to June 5, 2017, due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, is found to be related to his active service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for service-connected depressive disorder due to new evidence and testimony indicating worsening symptoms. The Veteran will need a VA examination to assess his current severity and manifestations of the condition.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD is denied because the earliest application was in March 2014, and retroactive benefits cannot be granted before March 11, 2013.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD because the Veteran's reported in-service stressor could not be verified and was inconsistent with other evidence of record.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, along with other conditions, makes him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. Therefore, the Board has granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to March 6, 2015 resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board found that a higher rating than 50 percent was not warranted.

The Board has found that there is new and material evidence to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD. However, due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran’s psychiatric disability, a remand is required to obtain a more complete medical opinion based on accurate facts.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current PTSD, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder and bipolar disorder are etiologically related to service. The decision is based on the Veteran's reported in-service stressors and his current psychiatric diagnoses.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of left shoulder fracture, right shoulder impingement syndrome with degenerative arthritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Board granted service connection for fibromyalgia and obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, primarily PTSD, is rated at 70 percent and not entitled to a higher rating.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's service connection claim for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, needs further examination and opinion due to conflicting diagnoses in the medical records.