PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not involve loss of use of one or both feet, loss of use of one or both hands, permanent impairment of vision of both eyes, a severe burn injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or ankylosis of one or both knees or one or both hips. Therefore, he does not meet the criteria for eligibility for automobile and adaptive equipment.

Prior to November 20, 2008, the Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent disabling.,From January 1, 2009 to September 24, 2013, the Veteran's PTSD was also rated at 50 percent disabling.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is denied as there is no evidence of in-service or post-service continuity of symptomatology. The Veteran's TDIU claim prior to June 27, 2012 is also denied as his service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following all forms of substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD has been withdrawn. The case is being remanded to obtain updated evaluations for his right knee condition and TDIU claim.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is supported by credible evidence and a link to an in-service stressor. The Veteran was previously denied service connection due to insufficient evidence at the time.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and VA examinations to address the nature and etiology of her left knee disability, gastrointestinal (GI) condition(s), and PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his PTSD, as the last examination was too remote in time. The Veteran contends that his symptoms are more consistent with a 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent disabling from October 26, 2011 to September 5, 2013. From September 6, 2013 to July 26, 2017, the rating increased to 50 percent. Since July 27, 2017, the Veteran is rated at 70 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and bilateral wrist conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal involves two issues: a request for an increased disability rating for PTSD and seeking an earlier effective date. The case is being remanded to obtain updated medical records, schedule the Veteran for a VA examination, and readjudicate the claims.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and granted entitlement to this disability, finding that new evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for DDD of the lumbar spine was dismissed. The claims for service connection for headaches and an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD were also dismissed. Service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as his reported in-service stressors are related to his fear of hostile military or terrorist activity and have been found to be consistent with the places, types, and circumstances of his service. The Veteran's current symptoms of PTSD are also found to be related to these in-service stressors.

The Veteran's left shoulder, right knee, and left knee disabilities are each rated at the minimum compensable level. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at the maximum available rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a psychiatric examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability has been manifested by symptoms that have resulted in reduced reliability and productivity, but not to the extent required for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is evaluated at a 70 percent rating from August 1, 2012, to February 19, 2013, and from April 1, 2013. The Board finds that the evidence does not support an evaluation in excess of 70 percent.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for PTSD with depressive and anxiety symptoms as a result of military service. Her right hand laceration injury is rated at 30 percent from February 15, 2014 to April 18, 2016.,The Veteran's right hand laceration has been manifested by complaints including pain, numbness, and weakness; objectively, it has been manifested in mild symptoms prior to February 15, 2014, moderate symptoms from February 15, 2014 to April 18, 2016, and mild symptoms thereafter.