PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD was granted, with a rating of 30 percent effective November 4, 2009. The kidney condition claim is denied as there is no evidence that the benign cyst may be related to ionizing radiation exposure during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the current severity of his PTSD and hypertension, as well as determine the nature and etiology of his neuropathy. The RO must also obtain updated VA treatment records and any relevant private medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's DJD of the lumbar spine is related to his service-connected disabilities, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder was not addressed due to a lack of adjudication on chronic pain syndrome.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new VA examination. The issues include service connection for various conditions, with no specific theory of service connection provided.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric condition. The case will be readjudicated after this additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a travel board hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and onychomycosis do not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU prior to March 24, 2017.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is related to his service. The right hip disability was also found to be related to his service. However, there is no evidence of a current left hip disability.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms during the period from March 10, 2005 to September 23, 2008 did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating. The Veteran was rated at 30 percent for this period.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including verification of claimed in-service stressors and a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disorder is related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's unemployability due to his diagnosed psychiatric disorders and vertigo since filing his claim for pension benefits in April 2010 is considered permanent and total, thus meeting the criteria for basic eligibility for VA pension benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD prevented her from securing and following any substantially gainful employment from October 1995 to March 14, 1997.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in several areas, but not total social and occupational impairment. The VA rated the condition as 70 percent disabling.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and PTSD are related to his military service, with resolution of reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board is considering whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim of PTSD. If so, they will decide if the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied as the Veteran failed to report for VA medical examinations.,The claims for increased ratings for bilateral knee and foot disabilities were denied due to the Veteran's failure to report for VA medical examinations.,The claim for an effective date earlier than February 19, 2015 for SMC based on need for aid and attendance for his spouse was denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, Personality Disorder, Depressive Disorder, and Polysubstance Abuse due to lack of a current diagnosis of PTSD and because the disorders are not diseases or injuries that can be service connected.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, alcohol dependence, and seizure disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and a VA examination.