PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is being remanded for a new medical opinion to determine if it is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has narrowed the issue to whether VA can rebut the presumption of soundness by showing that the Veteran's preexisting psychiatric disabilities were not aggravated during service. The case is remanded for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetic nephropathy, PTSD, diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was denied as there is no diagnosed mental health disorder during the appeal period.,Service connection for a respiratory disorder, to include COPD and pulmonary emphysema, was denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service or herbicide exposure.,Service connection for oropharyngeal cancer was denied as there is no objective evidence of a primary respiratory cancer.

The Veteran's claim for restoration of a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD, effective May 1, 2014, is granted. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, as new and material evidence has been received. The case is remanded for further development regarding the validity of the reported in-service sexual assault stressor and for a VA examination to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since the appeal period began. The evidence shows that his symptoms are well-controlled with medication and therapy, allowing him to maintain employment, relationships, and hobbies.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, as the evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD and establishes that it is related to his in-service traumatic experiences.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding PTSD, major depressive disorder with anxious distress, and bilateral hearing loss. The appeal for reinstating apportionment of the Veteran's benefits to his dependent mother was dismissed as he is not a proper claimant.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for status post excision of malignant melanoma on the right scapular area, claimed as skin cancer, has been reopened. The evidence submitted relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate this claim.,Service connection was denied for dermatoheliosis (skin rash) due to lack of evidence showing its onset during service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of in-service stressors and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including prostate cancer, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, and shrapnel wound to scrotum with acute epididymitis, preclude him from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment as of June 1, 2012. The Board finds that the criteria for TDIU have been met.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant through his authorized representative.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease with hiatal hernia is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable diagnostic code. The Veteran's hypertension and CFS claims have been reopened due to new evidence received since the last final denial.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since March 6, 2014.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Acquired Psychiatric Disorder, finding that new and material evidence was not presented to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran may have an acquired psychiatric disability associated with his period of active service and orders a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any such disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than March 19, 2008 for service connection of his acquired psychiatric disorder was denied. The Board also found that the criteria for a disability rating greater than 50 percent for PTSD and major depressive disorder were not met from May 17, 2011 onwards.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left hip disorder, left ear hearing loss, and left knee disorder. The claim for PTSD was also denied.

The Board has found that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service in Vietnam, and therefore grants service connection for PTSD. The issue of service connection for HTN remains pending as additional development is required.