PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's hypertension and diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction are not rated higher than the current levels.,PTSD was granted service connection in 2012, but an earlier effective date is denied due to lack of prior claims.

The Veteran's claim for improved pension benefits was denied as his income exceeded the maximum allowable pension rate. The Board found that the Veteran’s countable annual income, after deducting medical expenses, exceeded $16,051 and therefore did not meet the criteria for nonservice-connected pension.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD and depressive disorder) are remanded. The Board found that further efforts should be made to verify the stressor events and obtain medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation grant due to his respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are granted. The appeals regarding the evaluation of PTSD and remand for additional examinations are noted.

The Veteran's PTSD, MDD, and GAD are found to be related to in-service stressors, leading to a grant of service connection.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for Personality Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD are being remanded due to the need for additional examination and consideration.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since July 1, 2013. From January 25, 2018, the rating is denied as his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for thrombophlebitis, right lower extremity, and a higher rating for PTSD have been remanded due to the need for further development of evidence.

The Board has restored a 30 percent rating for the Veteran's head scar, finding that there was no material improvement in his condition and that the reduction was improper.,The Veteran's migraines are rated at 30%, with very frequent but not completely prostrating attacks. The Board found this to be insufficient for a higher rating.,A new VA examination is required for the left knee condition due to inadequate previous examinations, as per Correia v. McDonald (2016).,The Veteran's PTSD and TBI are rated at 50%, with very frequent but not completely prostrating attacks. The Board found this to be insufficient for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is necessary to determine whether the Veteran meets the DSM-V criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder, personality disorder, and adjustment disorder. The Veteran's service connection claims are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding her diagnoses.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD results in reduced reliability and productivity, but does not meet the criteria for a higher initial evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, but denied service connection for right hip injury. The appeal is remanded to determine the etiology of the Veteran's PTSD and any other psychiatric disorders.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of left ankle disorder, acne, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and PTSD. The evidence did not support current diagnoses or a link to service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and the Board has granted a TDIU due to service-connected PTSD alone.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 70% disability rating between March 25, 2008 and March 29, 2009.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, a respiratory condition, and residuals of burns to the hands and legs. Service connection was also denied for malaria. The Veteran's claim for a back disability is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The VA is instructed to attempt to obtain private treatment records, corroborate the in-service stressor, and schedule a psychiatric examination to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back pain, PTSD, and evaluations in excess of 10 percent and 30 percent for allergic rhinitis and headaches with dizziness, respectively. The Board found that there was no current diagnosis of a low back disability or PTSD, and that the Veteran did not have a current disability related to his allergic rhinitis or headaches with dizziness.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability to include PTSD should be remanded due to insufficient evidence and need for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and an unspecified anxiety disorder. The VA needs to obtain updated medical records and schedule the Veteran for a comprehensive psychiatric examination to determine if these conditions are related to his in-service stressors.