PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD and a TDIU was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating or TDIU based on service-connected PTSD alone.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board has granted a higher rating of 70 percent throughout the claim period.

The Board has decided that a remand is necessary for the Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea secondary to his service-connected PTSD due to insufficient medical opinions regarding causation and aggravation.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no legal basis to award such a date prior to October 30, 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the legal criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance, assistance in purchasing a vehicle or adaptive equipment, specially adapted housing, or a home adaptation grant.

The Veteran's claims for foot fungus and diabetes mellitus were dismissed. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was granted, but the issue of reopening the finally disallowed respiratory disorder claim is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) prior to September 17, 2009 was denied because his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's high cholesterol is not service-connected and thus no rating is assigned.,Service connection for undiagnosed multi-symptom illness (Gulf War Syndrome) has been granted with a 40% disability rating, which is the maximum allowed under current criteria.,Bilateral hearing loss is rated at 30%, which is the maximum allowed under current criteria. Tinnitus is rated at 10%. Valvular heart disease is rated at 70% (subject to regulations governing payment of monetary awards).,PTSD has been granted with a 70% disability rating, and COPD was not service-connected after April 23, 2013.,The Veteran's undiagnosed multi-symptom illness is rated based on the criteria for fibromyalgia. The Veteran does have separate ratings for his gastrointestinal symptoms (GERD) and skin condition (dermatitis or eczema).,COPD was not service-connected after April 23, 2013.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including obtaining service personnel records and providing VCAA notice regarding personal assault claims. The Veteran's tension headaches are not shown to meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 8100. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance was denied as entitlement to this benefit did not arise prior to March 11, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU was denied as there is no evidence of unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to July 29, 2008.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, tinnitus, headaches, a cervical spine disability, and dental issues. The claims are being returned to the RO for further examination and consideration.

The Board has denied a request to have the effective date of service connection for PTSD earlier than July 2, 2014. The Veteran's claim was initially filed on that date and he is now seeking an increased rating for his PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as the evidence did not establish a link between the current PTSD and service. The Veteran's reported in-service stressor of military sexual trauma was not corroborated.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, as secondary to his service-connected PTSD, needs further development and an addendum VA opinion is required.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of February 7, 2014, for a 100 percent rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder is granted. The claim for TDIU from November 14, 2012 to February 7, 2014 is denied as the Veteran was gainfully employed during this period.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, anxiety disorder, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has worsened since the last VA examination, and he has had recent incidents of domestic violence and suicidal thoughts. The Board finds a new VA examination is needed to assess his current disability level.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the service connection for PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder. The Veteran's claims will be reviewed with further medical examination.