PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings of service-connected disabilities and the determination of whether SMC is warranted are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations. The referred claims include PTSD, diabetes, retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and heart disability.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 100 percent for the entire period on appeal, and he has been granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the statutory housebound rate. The appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was dismissed as moot.

The claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and the Board denied an increased rating. The TDIU claim was also denied as there is no evidence that his service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) is denied. The Board also finds that the issue of entitlement to a higher rating for PTSD, with consideration of an earlier effective date, must be remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional evidence, including SSA records and a VA examination regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to her military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has denied service connection for PTSD with Anxiety and remanded the issues of service connection for chloracne on face, chest, and back, as well as DDD of the thoracolumbar spine.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD because there is no current diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with DSM-5 criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder and lumbar strain with sciatica, have prevented him from securing and maintaining gainful employment since April 12, 2011. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability effective as of that date.

The Veteran's left foot degenerative joint disease and PTSD have been granted increased ratings of 10% and 50%, respectively, throughout the appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's experiences in Vietnam during his active duty are sufficient to establish a link between his current symptoms and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for another psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD due to military sexual trauma and bipolar affective disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, adjustment disorder and substance abuse, is granted. The Board has determined that new evidence received since the previous denial supports reopening of the claim.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for tinea pedis was granted, as well as the claims for hypertension and PTSD. His PTSD is rated at 70 percent.

This decision denies the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disorder and a lumbar spine disorder, as well as her request for an increased disability rating for her psychiatric disabilities. The Board found that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's assertions of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.,The Veteran also had her TDIU rating denied, with the Board finding insufficient evidence to meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.,Her non-service-connected disability pension claim was also denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting medical evidence regarding her diagnoses and a need for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is pending.