PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have increased since her last VA examination, and a new evaluation is needed. Her TDIU claim is also remanded due to its inextricability with the PTSD rating claim.

The Veteran's Reiter’s syndrome is rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable VA rating criteria. The appeal for higher ratings for PTSD and coronary artery disease has been denied.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 30%, 50%, and 70% over different periods, with the highest rating of 70% granted from April 20, 2017.

The Board has granted service connection for schizophrenia, but denied service connection for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss. The decision is based on the evidence of record showing a current diagnosis of schizophrenia within one year of discharge from service.

The Board has denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for lumbar spinal stenosis with radiculopathy due to the August 2014 VA spine surgery, but has remanded cases regarding service connection for acquired psychiatric disability and residuals of eye surgery.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his PTSD is denied as the evidence does not show occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the right knee condition, right leg injury, sleep apnea, hearing loss, and PTSD rating. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for further examination and evaluation regarding his claimed psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and depression. Additionally, he needs a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected dermatitis/eczema.

The Veteran's initial claim of increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination considering his ongoing treatment and reported worsening symptoms.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, and for TDIU due to the appellant's failure to attend scheduled VA examinations. The Board finds that an examination is necessary to determine the exact nature and etiology of the appellant’s current psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his active military service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has ordered a new examination and opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's sleep apnea and his active duty service, specifically addressing his reported sleeping difficulties during service.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's tinnitus and acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD) are related to service. The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with paranoid schizophrenia, has been reopened. However, the evidence does not meet the criteria for service connection as his current diagnosis of unspecified schizophrenia is not related to service or any in-service stressor. The claim for secondary service connection for hypertension was also denied.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, tinnitus, sinusitis, sleep apnea, hypertension, chest pain, a dental disorder for treatment purposes, and ear disability. The issues are being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions and need for additional VA examinations.

The claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and depression is granted, as new evidence has been submitted that relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim. The Board finds a remand is necessary to obtain a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders were related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, along with other conditions like hypertension and hyperlipidemia, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to April 27, 2016. The Board granted TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied due to lack of evidence meeting VA's definition of impaired hearing. The claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability other than MDD, claimed as PTSD, was reopened based on new and material evidence showing potential PTSD symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, finding that there is no current diagnosis of a psychiatric disability and that any such disability is less likely related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder with alcohol use have been rated at a 70 percent since the beginning of the appeal period, effective prior to August 10, 2011.