PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, residuals of sprained finger ligaments and little finger injury of the left hand, and a right foot disability. The claims are remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD as there was no verified in-service stressor and the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of PTSD related to an in-service event.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and PTSD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are traceable to his military service. For tinnitus, the Board found credible evidence of noise exposure in service leading to current tinnitus. For PTSD, the Board accepted the Veteran's account of sexual assault during service as a stressor, despite conflicting medical opinions.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD, finding that the Veteran's claim was filed on December 18, 2013.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are mild and do not interfere with occupational or social functioning.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, service connection for a back disorder, and service connection for bilateral eye condition due to potential new evidence or clarification.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and a TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of recent medical evidence. The current effective date remains October 5, 2017.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD was denied due to lack of new and material evidence. His initial rating for PTSD remains at 70 percent, but he is granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for muscle tension headaches has been dismissed. The Board also remanded the issues regarding PTSD and TDIU due to their interrelation.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100% disabling, effective May 4, 2017. Effective May 9, 2013, the Veteran has one service-connected disability (PTSD) rated as 100 percent disabling and other service-connected disabilities rated in excess of 60 percent, making him eligible for special monthly compensation at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's claims for a right Achilles tendon disability and PTSD have been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities related to active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders. Additional development is needed, including verification of in-service stressors and a VA examination.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for service connection for PTSD, right knee disability, and left knee disability.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at a 70 percent disability level, which is the highest rating available for this condition. The decision also grants entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depression. The Veteran needs to provide updated VA treatment records and a new examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder, has been reopened. Service connection is granted with a 10% rating for the right inguinal herniorrhaphy scar.

The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service connected disabilities (TDIU) prior to October 5, 2011. The Veteran's appeal is now back with the Board for further development and consideration.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran's PTSD renders him unable to work. The RO is instructed to request updated information about his employment and obtain medical records, then schedule an examination to assess the impact of his PTSD on his employability.

The Veteran's left knee TKA is related to his service-connected right knee disorder, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.