PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, PTSD, intermittent explosive disorder, and sleep disorder, as these conditions are related to the Veteran's experiences in service. The claim was reopened due to new evidence submitted since the last final denial.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for a vision disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. The decision also notes that additional records from the Veteran’s active service as well as his Army National Guard or Reserves service should be obtained.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to August 13, 2007 and increased to 70 percent effective from August 13, 2007. The appeal is for a higher initial rating prior to the effective date of the 70 percent rating.

Your initial rating for your lumbar spine disability has been set at 20 percent, and the appeal to increase it further or to get a TDIU is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need for additional examinations. The issues include right bundle branch block, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, sleep apnea, respiratory conditions, and an acquired psychiatric condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to new evidence submitted. The case is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and verifying the death of a sergeant.

The Veteran's left eye disorder and PTSD are denied. The Veteran is not granted an increased rating for his PTSD prior to March 3, 2017 or from March 3, 2017.

An evaluation of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is granted at a 50 percent rating. Service connection for Plantar Fasciitis and Pes Planus is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of tinnitus is at least in equipoise with his assertion and VA examination. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD remains remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology.

The Board has remanded the case for further development of evidence, including obtaining a VA mental disorders examination to address the nature and etiology of any diagnosed PTSD or other acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral osteoarthritis of the knees, left ankle and foot, gout, eye conditions, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, and major depressive disorder. The appeals were based on a direct relationship to service without any presumption or secondary theory.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inconsistencies in the VA examiner's opinion and the need for updated treatment records. The ED claim will be readjudicated if service connection is granted for PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a new examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for trapezius and lumbar region pain with scoliosis and age-related degenerative changes was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show a link between these conditions and his military service.,The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable criteria. The Board concluded that the Veteran’s symptoms were not severe enough to warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination, requiring a new VA examination for the Veteran's psychiatric disability claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for further development of evidence.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for PTSD due to military sexual trauma because the stressor has not been verified and a VA examination is needed.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has remanded both his claim for a higher rating and his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, CAD with pacemaker, prostate cancer, and erectile dysfunction, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his inability to attend to the wants of nature and a mental incapacity that requires care and assistance on a regular basis. The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these service-connected conditions cause the Veteran to be in need of actual personal assistance from others, thus granting SMC based on aid and attendance.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, as new evidence did not relate to a previously unestablished element of the claim.