PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion.

The Veteran's right knee disability was not rated higher than 10 percent prior to March 29, 2017 and 20 percent thereafter. The Board denied entitlement to a TDIU prior to July 17, 2014 as his service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a withdrawal of the cysts claim and for additional development regarding his PTSD claim.

The Veteran's claims for increased PTSD and TDIU prior to January 3, 2012 are denied. The Board finds that the Veteran is not entitled to a higher evaluation for his PTSD or entitlement to TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and schizophrenia is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to conflicting medical opinions regarding PTSD and unverified in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disabilities was denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD, and the evidence does not support a finding that any diagnosed conditions are related to military service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and alcohol abuse do not render him unemployable, as he is able to maintain healthy relationships with family and some friends, independently maintain activities of daily living, and regularly engage in leisure activities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the lack of contact and the need for a psychiatric evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and confirming the Veteran's current address. The TDIU claim will be reconsidered based on this new information.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, acting on their own, do not render him housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance. Therefore, he is not entitled to SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran was found unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities from November 28, 2007, to October 27, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience prior to February 13, 2013.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was not shown to be related to his service and denied the claim.,The Veteran claimed a headache disability but no specific condition or exposure basis was provided in the decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from the Massachusetts Treatment Center in Bridgewater, MA. The case will be returned to the Board for further review.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The bilateral hearing loss claim remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD claim is denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD.,Service connection for a low back disability is denied as the evidence does not show that it had onset in service or is otherwise related to active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for schizophrenia, finding that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is etiologically related to his military service. The claim of service connection for PTSD and other psychiatric conditions remains pending.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to determine the nature and likely etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's claims file will be reviewed for evidence corroborating his claimed sexual assault incident during service.