PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, including bipolar disorder and depression, as well as an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is rated at 30 percent prior to April 2015 and 30 percent for the left foot as of April 2015. The Veteran's PTSD was initially denied but later granted a 30 percent rating effective March 2016. Service connection for levoscoliosis (back pain) is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since the effective date of service connection, with significant impairment in work and social functioning.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted service connection. The lumbar spine condition, including spina bifida, is being remanded for further examination and evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to January 4, 2004 and from March 22, 2007 to July 15, 2009. The rating for PTSD was denied for periods of April 1, 2004 to April 20, 2006, September 1, 2006 to March 22, 2007, and from October 26, 2010 to October 6, 2014. TDIU was granted for periods prior to January 4, 2004, July 30, 2007 to July 15, 2009, and September 1, 2009 to October 26, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding the severity and manifestations of his service-connected PTSD, as well as any additional psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD has been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent effective September 6, 2016. He also received special monthly compensation for housebound status since that date.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but not higher. He also receives a grant of TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to unclear findings from a previous VA psychiatric examination, and further clarification is needed regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder was due to or began during his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for PTSD, asbestosis, forgetfulness or memory loss, joint pain, and hypertension have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeals prior to promulgation of a decision.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has been reopened and granted. The Board found that the Veteran had a current diagnosis of PTSD, which was linked by competent medical evidence to an in-service event supported by corroborating evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, TDIU, psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder and PTSD), stomach disorder (GERD and hiatal hernia), bilateral knee disorder, and bilateral hip disorder due to failure of the Veteran to report for scheduled VA examinations. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for PTSD prior to April 7, 2017, and thereafter was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a disability rating greater than 30 percent prior to April 7, 2017, or greater than 50 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased evaluation of PTSD and TDIU have been dismissed because the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with major depression and intermittent explosive disorder has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The case is now remanded for further development, including verification of in-service stressors and a VA examination.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection of heart disability, left wrist disability, mononucleosis, and sleep apnea. The claim for PTSD was granted with new and material evidence but not reopened as it is considered a direct service connection case. Service connection for diabetes mellitus II was denied due to lack of exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied, but the claim for ischemic optic neuropathy of the right eye was granted.,New evidence submitted since the May 2008 denial did not meet the criteria to reopen the PTSD claim.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, dysthymic disorder, alcohol dependence, and cannabis dependence are found to be sufficient for a TDIU. However, the medical opinions regarding the impact of these conditions on employment are inadequate, necessitating further examination.