PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has been reopened and granted. The Board found that the Veteran had a current diagnosis of PTSD, which was linked by competent medical evidence to an in-service event supported by corroborating evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, TDIU, psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder and PTSD), stomach disorder (GERD and hiatal hernia), bilateral knee disorder, and bilateral hip disorder due to failure of the Veteran to report for scheduled VA examinations. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for PTSD prior to April 7, 2017, and thereafter was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a disability rating greater than 30 percent prior to April 7, 2017, or greater than 50 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased evaluation of PTSD and TDIU have been dismissed because the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with major depression and intermittent explosive disorder has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The case is now remanded for further development, including verification of in-service stressors and a VA examination.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection of heart disability, left wrist disability, mononucleosis, and sleep apnea. The claim for PTSD was granted with new and material evidence but not reopened as it is considered a direct service connection case. Service connection for diabetes mellitus II was denied due to lack of exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied, but the claim for ischemic optic neuropathy of the right eye was granted.,New evidence submitted since the May 2008 denial did not meet the criteria to reopen the PTSD claim.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, dysthymic disorder, alcohol dependence, and cannabis dependence are found to be sufficient for a TDIU. However, the medical opinions regarding the impact of these conditions on employment are inadequate, necessitating further examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied because the claimed in-service stressors were not verified and there was no medical evidence linking his current PTSD to any events or conditions during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in a need for regular aid and attendance, which has been granted SMC at the (l) level.

The Veteran's total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was effective from March 1, 2010. The Appellant is not entitled to enhanced DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1311(a)(2) as the Veteran did not have a continuous period of at least eight years of total disability prior to his death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened and is granted. The Board found new and material evidence to support the reopening of the claim, including a diagnosis of PTSD from VA treatment records and statements from the Veteran regarding in-service stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from May 5, 2010 to May 31, 2015. A higher rating for PTSD since June 1, 2015 is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has worsened, and a new VA examination is needed to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection has been reopened and granted. The Board found new and material evidence to support the reopening of his claims for left knee, right shoulder, left shoulder, rib contusion, bilateral foot disorder (other than skin disorder), and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent since August 27, 2010. The Board finds that there was no factually ascertainable increase in disability prior to April 15, 2014, warranting a higher rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. The Veteran's symptoms began in or are related to his active duty service.

The Board dismissed the appeals due to the Veteran's death, and no jurisdiction remains for the merits of these claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause and aggravation of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea by his service-connected PTSD and lumbar spine disability. The Veteran will need to provide additional medical records, including those from private treatment providers who have linked his sleep apnea to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has decided that a remand is required for the Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea, which he claims is secondary to his service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder. The VA medical opinion on this question was found to be inadequate.